Information record medium, information record apparatus and method, information reproduction apparatus and method, information record reproduction apparatus and method, computer program for record or reproduction control, and data structure containing control signal

ABSTRACT

A series of content information; menu information, which is to be displayed with the content information during reproduction of the content information; and play list information for defining reproduction sequence of the content information by a unit of item, which constitutes the content information and which is accessible upon reproducing, are recorded on the information record medium. The play list information includes: item information for specifying each item which constitutes the content information; and slave item information for specifying the menu information corresponding to the each item as a slave item.

This application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/530,031,which was filed on Apr. 1, 2005 as the 35 USC 371 national stage ofinternational application PCT/JP2003/012578 filed on Oct. 1, 2003.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to: an information record medium, such asa high density optical disc, capable of recording thereon variousinformation such as main picture information or video information, audioinformation, sub-picture information, reproduction control information,and so on, at high density; an apparatus for and a method of recordingthe information onto the information record medium; an apparatus for anda method of reproducing the information from the information recordmedium; an apparatus and a method capable of both recording andreproducing the information; a computer program for controlling therecording or reproduction; and a data structure including a controlsignal for controlling the reproduction.

BACKGROUND ART

According to a DVD in a so-called “DVD video standard”, a plurality oftitle domains (TT_DOM), provided with a series of content information,and a title set menu domain (VTSM_DOM), controlling a menu of theplurality of title domains, are recorded in a Video Title Set space(VTS_Space). Here, the “series of content information” indicates thevideo information, the audio information, the sub picture information,and the like, which constitute one title, such as one show and onemovie, for example. It is recorded in the VTS space as the title domain.Moreover, the menu in the title domain is to select or set whether thesubtitle of a show, constituting one title, is English or Japanese, forexample, or to select or set an angle if the angle can be reproduced,and the like. It is recorded in the VTS space as a menu domaincorresponding to each title. In short, a title menu domain is toindividually set in what condition each title will be reproduced, or isbeing reproduced. Moreover, the “space” is a unit of record informationin a record area, which corresponds to a treatment unit in areproduction operation with a player.

A disc menu about a plurality of VTS spaces or the entire disc isrecorded in a Video ManaGer space (VMG_Space), recorded in a differentarea from the VTS space in the record area on the disc, as a VMG menudomain (VMGM_DOM). Here, the “disc menu” is to select or set whether theaudio on the entire disc is Japanese or English, for example, or toselect or set a title menu in the disc, and the like. It is recorded inthe VMG space, as the VMG menu domain which is a common menu domain inthe entire disc. In short, the VMG menu domain is to integrally orcollectively set in what condition every title will be reproduced, or isbeing reproduced.

Moreover, the VTS space and the VGM space being “recorded in differentareas”, means that the VTS and VGM spaces are recorded in the recordarea such that the domain recorded in the VTS space and the domainrecorded in the VMG space cannot be changed and reproduced, at the sametime or immediately, or such that the domains cannot be reproduced inparallel.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

However, in the reproduction of the DVD constructed in this manner witha player, if a menu display operation is performed, for example, duringthe reproduction of the title, the player firstly stops the titlereproduction. Then, it displays a menu screen having a blue background,which is unrelated to the title reproduction, and induces a menuselection or specification by a user. This eventually discourages theuser's interest in contents. On the contrary, an attempt to display themenu screen in some format, with the title reproduction continued,causes a necessity to perform a reproduction transition between thetitle domain and the menu domain, to thereby complicate a readingoperation on the player. Then, in fact, it is basically difficult toimmediately perform the reproduction transition or a changing operation,so that after all, there is such a problem information as for thecontent information are recorded thereon. The menu information isinformation to be displayed with the content information during thereproduction of the content information. Moreover, the play listinformation, which defines the reproduction sequence of the contentinformation by the unit of item, is recorded. This play list informationincludes the item information and the slave item information. The slaveitem information means information associated with one of the iteminformation. Particularly, the item information specifies each itemwhich constitutes the content information. The slave item informationspecifies the menu information corresponding to the each item as theslave item.

Therefore, at the reproduction of the information record medium, it ispossible to reproduce the content information, such as the videoinformation and the audio information, by reproducing a contentinformation part specified by the item information in order, inaccordance with the item information owned by the play list information.In parallel with the reproduction of the content information, byreproducing a menu information part specified by the slave iteminformation in order, in accordance with the slave item informationowned by the play list information, it is possible to reproduce the menuinformation. Such parallel reproductions of the content information andthe menu information can be performed, technically with little problem,if a reproduction rate is reduced moderately on an informationreproduction apparatus.

Here, it is assumed, for example, that a user who is watching that it istechnically difficult to display the menu screen with the titlereproduction continued.

The present invention has been accomplished in view of the aboveproblems for example. It is therefore an object of the present inventionto provide an information record medium, an information record apparatusand method, an information reproduction apparatus and method, aninformation record reproduction apparatus and method, a computer programfor a record or reproduction control, and a data structure including acontrol signal for controlling the reproduction, which enable thedisplay of a menu screen, such as small window display, semitransparentsuperimpose display or the like, with the title reproduction continued,during the title reproduction.

An information record medium of the present invention is provided with:a series of content information; menu information as for the contentinformation, which is to be displayed with the content informationduring reproduction of the content information; and play listinformation for defining reproduction sequence of the contentinformation by a unit of item, which constitutes the content informationand which is accessible upon reproducing, the play list informationincluding: item information for specifying each item which constitutesthe content information; and slave item information for specifying themenu information corresponding to said each item as a slave item

According to the information record medium of the present invention, theseries of content information and the menu the content informationdesires the display of a proper menu screen to perform a desiredoperation, such as changing audio language, changing subtitle language,angle change, and a reproduction transition to another title. In thiscase, it is possible to immediately or instantly display the menuinformation that has been being reproduced by using the slave iteminformation but has never been being displayed, selectively by theexternal specification, such as a remote operation and a paneloperation, on the content information which is being reproduced anddisplayed by using the item information. On the contrary, for example,if a user who is watching the content information does not desire thedisplay of the menu screen, it is possible not to display the menuinformation that is being reproduced by using the slave iteminformation, on the content information which is being reproduced anddisplayed by using the item information. Namely, in the latter case,even if the menu information exists correspondingly to the contentinformation, the menu information is continuously reproduced in anon-display condition and is in a condition that the menu informationcan be immediately displayed anytime by a user's desire. Then, as in theformer case, the menu information that is in such a readily displayablecondition is actually displayed and outputted as the menu screen.

As a result, it is possible to display the menu screen, such as smallwindow display and semitransparent superimpose display, with the titlereproduction continued, during the title reproduction.

In one aspect of the information record medium of the present invention,the menu information specified by the slave item information is furtherrecorded in the play list information, as common information commonlyused by a plurality of slave items.

According to this aspect, a predetermined operation can be performed onthe information reproduction apparatus, without reducing thereproduction rate of each item information which uses the common menuinformation, by reading and maintaining the common menu informationbefore the reproduction of the play list.

In another aspect of the information record medium of the presentinvention, it is further recorded on the information record medium,reproduction control information for controlling such that the menuinformation specified by the slave item information is displayed withbeing superimposed on or in place of one portion of the contentinformation corresponding to the menu information specified by the slaveitem information or is not displayed at all, selectively in accordancewith external specification, in reproducing.

According to this aspect, performing the control based on thereproduction control information stored in a navigation packet or thelike, for example, the information reproduction apparatus displays themenu information specified by the slave item information as the menuscreen by superimposing the menu information onto one portion of thecorresponding content information corresponding to the reproduced menuinformation, or replacing the one portion with the menu information,selectively in accordance with the external specification.Alternatively, it does not display the menu information at allselectively in accordance with the external specification. Particularly,in displaying the menu screen, the proper menu screen corresponding tothe content information can be immediately displayed, on the basis ofthe menu information, which is being reproduced in parallel with thereproduction of the content information before being displayed and is ina readily displayable condition.

In another aspect of the information record medium of the presentinvention, the slave item information further specifies a reproductiontime point of the menu information, with a reproduction time point ofthe content information as a standard. According to this aspect, on thebasis of the reproduction time point of the menu information, which isspecified by the slave item information with the reproduction time pointof the menu information as a standard, the information reproductionapparatus can display the menu information as the menu screen, asoccasion demands. Thus, even if the menu information in a non-displaycondition is displayed as the menu screen any time in accordance with aremote control operation and the like, for example, it is possible todisplay the menu screen properly corresponding to the contentinformation which is being reproduced, regardless of the timing of thedisplay start.

In another aspect of the information record medium of the presentinvention, the slave item information further specifies a displayposition and a size of a small window, in displaying the menuinformation as the small window on a display of the content information.

According to this aspect, in accordance with the display position andthe size of the small window specified by the slave item information,the information reproduction apparatus can display the menu informationas the small window on the display of the content information. Namely,by adjusting or changing the display position and the size of the smallwindow which is described into the slave item information, it ispossible to display the menu screen in the small window with a desiredsize at a desired display position.

In another aspect of the information record medium of the presentinvention, the menu information is recorded together with the contentinformation, in a content space in which the content information isrecorded and which occupies one area of a record area.

According to this aspect, the content information and the menuinformation are recorded in the same content space, so that the parallelor concurrent reproduction of the both is relatively easy. For example,the parallel reproduction of the both is performed by using the samesystem parameter or parameters. Then, normally, the content informationamong them is always reproduced, displayed and outputted, while the menuinformation is, if present, always reproduced and selectively displayedand outputted.

Incidentally, another menu information, such as the disc menu and thetitle menu, about the content information may be recorded in a systemspace occupying a different area from the content space in the recordarea.

In another aspect of the information record medium of the presentinvention, the content information and the menu information aremultiplexed and recorded by a unit of packet, which is a physicallyaccessible unit and which stores a piece of the menu information and thecontent information respectively.

According to this aspect, the content information and the menuinformation are multiplexed and recorded by the unit of packet in thecontent space. The reproduction in the content space is performed byreproducing the content information and the menu information of such apacket unit through reproduction processes, such as demultiplexing anddecoding. Normally, the packet associated with the content informationamong them is always reproduced, displayed and outputted, and the packetassociated with the menu information is, if present, always reproducedand selectively displayed and outputted.

In another aspect of the information record medium of the presentinvention, the menu information is recorded by a predetermined packetunit, as another object different from an object constructed by thecontent information.

According to this aspect, in the reproduction in the content space, thecorresponding menu information is read, and maintained in thereproduction apparatus before the reproduction of the item information.The menu information is selectively displayed and outputted inaccordance with the specification.

An information record apparatus of the present invention is providedwith: a first record device for recording a series of contentinformation and menu information as for the content information, whichis to be displayed with the content information during reproduction ofthe content information; and a second record device for recording playlist information for defining reproduction sequence of the contentinformation by a unit of item, which constitutes the content informationand which is accessible upon reproducing, the second record devicerecording the play list information such that the play list informationincludes: item information for specifying each item which constitutesthe content information; and slave item information for specifying themenu information corresponding to said each item as a slave item.

According to the information record apparatus of the present invention,the first record device, such as a controller, an encoder, a TS objectgenerator mentioned later, an optical pickup, a cutting device or thelike, records the series of content information and the menu informationas for the content information, into the recording area of theinformation record medium, such as a DVD. For example, the second recorddevice, such as a controller, an encoder, a TS object generatormentioned later, an optical pickup, a cutting device or the like,records the play list information which defines the reproductionsequence of the content information by the unit of item. Particularly,the second record device records the play list information such that theplay list information includes: the item information and the slave iteminformation.

Therefore, the information record medium of the invention mentionedabove (including various aspects thereof) can be recorded relativelyefficiently.

Incidentally, the information record apparatus according to the presentinvention may also take various aspects, corresponding to variousaspects of the information record medium according to the presentinvention as mentioned above.

An information record method of the present invention is provided with:a first record process of recording a series of content information andmenu information as for the content information, which is to bedisplayed with the content information during reproduction of thecontent information; and a second record process of recording play listinformation for defining reproduction sequence of the contentinformation by a unit of item, which constitutes the content informationand which is accessible upon reproducing, the second record processrecording the play list information such that the play list informationincludes: item information for specifying each item which constitutesthe content information; and slave item information for specifying themenu information corresponding to said each item as a slave item.

According to the information record method of the present invention, byusing a controller, an encoder, a TS object generator mentioned later,an optical pickup, a cutting device or the like, the first recordprocess records the series of content information and the menuinformation as for the content information, into the record area of theinformation record medium, such as a DVD. The second record processrecords the play list information which defines the reproductionsequence of the content information by the unit of item. Particularly,the second record device records the play list information such that theplay list information includes: the item information and the slave iteminformation.

Therefore, the information record medium according to the presentinvention as mentioned above (including various aspects thereof) can berecorded relatively efficiently.

Incidentally, the information record method according to the presentinvention may also take various aspects, corresponding to variousaspects of the information record medium according to the presentinvention.

An information reproduction apparatus of the present invention is aninformation reproduction apparatus for reproducing the above-describedinformation record medium of the present invention (including itsvarious aspects), said information reproduction apparatus comprising: areproduction device capable of reproducing said content information,said menu information and said play list information; a displaying andoutputting device capable of displaying and outputting said contentinformation and said menu information; a specifying device capable ofexternally specifying whether to display or not to display said menuinformation on said displaying and outputting device; and a controldevice for controlling said reproduction device to reproduce saidcontent information and said menu information, in accordance with theitem information and the slave item information included in said playlist information reproduced by said reproducing device, and forcontrolling said displaying and outputting device such that saidreproduced menu information is displayed and outputted with beingsuperimposed on or in place of one portion of said reproduced contentinformation corresponding to said reproduced menu information or is notdisplayed at all, selectively in accordance with external specificationby said specifying device.

According to the information reproduction apparatus of the presentinvention, the reproduction device such as a controller, a decoder, ademultiplexer, an optical pickup and the like, reproduces the play listinformation. Then, under the control of the control device, such as acontroller, the reproduction device reproduces the content informationand the menu information in accordance with the item information and theslave item information included in the reproduced play list information.At this time, for example, the reproduced content information isreproduced as the main pass, while the reproduced menu information isreproduced as the sub pass. Along with the reproduction described above,the displaying and outputting device displays and outputs the contentinformation. At this time, if there is the external specification by thespecifying device, such as desire or not desire to display the menuscreen, the displaying and outputting device displays and outputs thereproduced menu information with superimposing the reproduced menuinformation onto one portion of the content information corresponding tothe reproduced menu information or replacing the one portion with thereproduced menu information, selectively in accordance with the contentof the specification, under the control of the control device.Alternatively, the displaying and outputting device does not display itat all.

Therefore, the information record medium according to the presentinvention as mentioned above (including various aspects thereof) can bereproduced relatively efficiently.

Incidentally, the information reproduction apparatus according to thepresent invention may also take various aspects, corresponding tovarious aspects of the information record medium according to thepresent invention.

In one aspect of the information reproduction apparatus of the presentinvention, the control device controls the displaying and outputtingdevice so as to display and output the reproduced menu information as asmall window on the reproduced content information, in accordance with adisplay position and a size of the small window, which are furtherspecified by the slave item information included in the reproduced playlist information.

According to this aspect, under the control of the control device, thedisplaying and outputting device displays and outputs the menuinformation as the small window on the content information, at thedisplay position and with the size of the small window, which arefurther specified by the slave item information, as occasion demands.

In another aspect of the information reproduction apparatus of thepresent invention, it is further provided with a buffer memory formaintaining the reproduced menu information in a readily displayable andoutputtable condition, for a predetermined period, regardless of whetheror not the reproduced menu information is displayed and outputted by thedisplaying and outputting device.

According to this aspect, the buffer memory, such as a ring buffer,maintains the reproduced menu information in a readily displayable andoutputtable condition for a predetermined period, regardless of whetheror not the reproduced menu information is displayed and outputted by thedisplaying and outputting device. Thus, by taking out the menuinformation from the buffer memory in accordance with a remote controlor the like, it is possible to immediately display the menu informationany time as the menu screen. Incidentally, “to readily or immediatelydisplay” in the present invention conceptually and broadly includes notonly the case where after an instruction for display is inputted, themenu information can be displayed in such a short time that a usercannot recognize it, but also the case where the menu information can bedisplayed in such a short time that a user can recognize it.

An information reproduction method of the present invention is aninformation reproduction method of reproducing the above-describedinformation record medium of the present invention (including itsvarious aspects) on an information reproduction apparatus provided with:(i) a reproduction device capable of reproducing said contentinformation, said menu information and said play list information; (ii)a displaying and outputting device capable of displaying and outputtingsaid content information and said menu information; and (iii) aspecifying device capable of externally specifying whether to display ornot to display said menu information on said displaying and outputtingdevice, said information reproduction method comprising: a first controlprocess of controlling said reproducing device to reproduce said contentinformation and said menu information, in accordance with the iteminformation and the slave item information included in said play listinformation reproduced by said reproducing device; and a second controlprocess of controlling said displaying and outputting device such thatsaid reproduced menu information is displayed and outputted with beingsuperimposed on or in place of one portion of said reproduced contentinformation corresponding to said reproduced menu information or is notdisplayed at all, selectively in accordance with external specificationby said specifying device.

According to the information reproduction method of the presentinvention, the first control process controls the reproducing device toreproduce the content information and the menu information, inaccordance with the item information and the slave item informationincluded in the play list information reproduced by the reproducingdevice, by using a controller or the like, for example. Moreover, thesecond control process controls the displaying and outputting devicesuch that the reproduced menu information is displayed and outputted, ornot displayed nor outputted at all, with superimposing the reproducedmenu information onto one portion of the content informationcorresponding to the reproduced menu information or replacing the oneportion with the reproduced menu information, selectively in accordancewith the external specification by the specifying device.

Therefore, the information record medium of the invention mentionedabove (including various aspects thereof) can be reproduced relativelyefficiently.

Incidentally, the information reproduction method according to thepresent invention may also take various aspects, corresponding tovarious aspects of the information record medium according to thepresent invention as mentioned above.

An information record reproduction apparatus of the present invention isprovided with: a first record device for recording a series of contentinformation and menu information as for said content information, whichis to be displayed with said content information during reproduction ofsaid content information; a second record device for recording play listinformation for defining reproduction sequence of said contentinformation by a unit of item, which constitutes said contentinformation and which is accessible upon reproducing, said second recorddevice recording said play list information such that said play listinformation includes: item information for specifying each item whichconstitutes said content information; and slave item information forspecifying said menu information corresponding to said each item as aslave item; a reproduction device capable of reproducing said contentinformation, said menu information, and said play list information; adisplaying and outputting device capable of displaying and outputtingsaid content information and said menu information; a specifying devicecapable of externally specifying whether to display or not to displaysaid menu information on said displaying and outputting device; and acontrol device for controlling said reproduction device to reproducesaid content information and said menu information, in accordance withthe item information and the slave item information included in saidplay list information reproduced by said reproducing device, and forcontrolling said displaying and outputting device such that saidreproduced menu information is displayed and outputted with beingsuperimposed on or in place of one portion of said reproduced contentinformation corresponding to said reproduced menu information or is notdisplayed at all, selectively in accordance with external specificationby said specifying device.

According to the information record reproduction apparatus of theinvention, since it has both of the above described information recordapparatus of the present invention and the above described informationreproduction apparatus of the present invention, the information recordmedium of the invention (including various aspects thereof) can berecorded and reproduced relatively efficiently.

Incidentally, the information record reproduction apparatus according tothe present invention may also take various aspects, corresponding tovarious aspects of the information record medium according to thepresent invention.

An information record reproduction method of the present invention on aninformation reproduction apparatus provided with: (i) a reproductiondevice capable of reproducing content information, menu information andplay list information; (ii) a displaying and outputting device capableof displaying and outputting said content information and said menuinformation; and (iii) a specifying device capable of externallyspecifying whether to display or not to display said menu information onsaid displaying and outputting device, said information recordreproduction method comprising: a first record process of recording aseries of content information and menu information as for said contentinformation, which is to be displayed with said content informationduring reproduction of said content information; a second record processof recording play list information for defining reproduction sequence ofsaid content information by a unit of item, which constitutes saidcontent information and which is accessible upon reproducing, saidsecond record process recording said play list information such thatsaid play list information includes: item information for specifyingeach item which constitutes said content information; and slave iteminformation for specifying said menu information corresponding to saideach item as a slave item; a first control process of controlling saidreproducing device to reproduce said content information and said menuinformation, in accordance with the item information and the slave iteminformation included in said play list information reproduced by saidreproducing device; and a second control process of controlling saiddisplaying and outputting device such that said reproduced menuinformation is displayed and outputted with being superimposed on or inplace of one portion of said reproduced content informationcorresponding to said reproduced menu information or is not displayed atall, selectively in accordance with external specification by saidspecifying device.

According to the information record reproduction method of theinvention, since it has both of the above described information recordmethod of the present invention and the above described informationreproduction method of the present invention, the information recordmedium of the invention (including various aspects thereof) can berecorded and reproduced relatively efficiently.

Incidentally, the information record reproduction method according tothe present invention may also take various aspects, corresponding tovarious aspects of the information record medium according to thepresent invention.

The computer program for a record control according to the presentinvention is to control a computer disposed at the information recordapparatus according to the present invention (including various aspectsthereof), the program making the computer function as at least a part ofthe first record device and the second record device.

According to the computer program for a record control of the invention,the information record apparatus according to the present inventionmentioned above may be realized relatively easily, by reading andrunning the computer program from a record medium, such as a ROM, aCD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a hard disk and so on, storing the computer programtherein/thereon, or by downloading the computer program to the computervia the communication device and running it.

Incidentally, the computer program for a record control according to thepresent invention may also take various aspects, corresponding tovarious aspects of the information record medium according to thepresent invention as mentioned above.

The computer program for a reproduction control according to the presentinvention is to control a computer disposed at the informationreproduction apparatus according to the present invention as mentionedabove (including various aspects thereof), the program making thecomputer function as at least a part of the reproduction device, thedisplaying and outputting device, the specifying device and the controldevice.

According to the computer program for a reproduction control of theinvention, the information reproduction apparatus according to thepresent invention mentioned above may be realized relatively easily, byreading and running the computer program from a record medium, such as aROM, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a hard disk and so on, storing the computerprogram therein/thereon, or by downloading the computer program to thecomputer via the communication device and running it.

Incidentally, the computer program for a reproduction control accordingto the present invention may also take various aspects, corresponding tovarious aspects of the information record medium according to thepresent invention as mentioned above.

The computer program for a record reproduction control according to thepresent invention is to control a computer disposed at the informationrecord reproduction apparatus according to the present invention asmentioned above (including various aspects thereof), the program makingthe computer function as at least a part of the first record device, thesecond record device, the reproduction device, the displaying andoutputting device, the specifying device and the control device.

According to the computer program for a record reproduction control ofthe invention, the information record reproduction apparatus accordingto the present invention mentioned above may be embodied relativelyeasily, by reading and running the computer program from a recordmedium, such as a ROM, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a hard disk and so on,storing the computer program therein/thereon, or by downloading thecomputer program to the computer via the communication device andrunning it.

Incidentally, the computer program for a record reproduction controlaccording to the present invention may also take various aspects,corresponding to various aspects of the information record mediumaccording to the present invention as mentioned above.

A data structure including a control signal of the present invention isprovided with: a series of content information; menu information as forsaid content information, which is to be displayed with said contentinformation during reproduction of said content information; and playlist information for defining reproduction sequence of said contentinformation by a unit of item, which constitutes said contentinformation and which is accessible upon reproducing, said play listinformation including: item information for specifying each item whichconstitutes said content information; and slave item information forspecifying said menu information corresponding to said each item as aslave item.

According to the data structure including the control signal of theinvention, similarly to the case of the information record mediumaccording to the present invention as mentioned above, it is possible todisplay the menu screen, such as small window display andsemitransparent superimpose display, with the title reproductioncontinued, during the title reproduction.

Incidentally, the data structure including the control signal accordingto the present invention may also take various aspects, corresponding tovarious aspects of the information record medium according to thepresent invention as mentioned above.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by a computerprogram product for a record control in a computer-readable medium fortangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a computerdisposed at the aforementioned information record apparatus according tothe present invention (including various aspects), the program makingthe computer function as at least a part of the first record device andthe second record device.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by a computerprogram product for a reproduction control in a computer-readable mediumfor tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by acomputer disposed at the information reproduction apparatus according tothe present invention (including various aspects), the program makingthe computer function as at least a part of the reproduction device, thedisplaying and outputting device, a specifying device and the controldevice.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by a computerprogram product for a record reproduction control in a computer-readablemedium for tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by acomputer disposed at the information record reproduction apparatusaccording to the present invention (including various aspects), theprogram making the computer function as at least a part of the firstrecord device, the second record device, the reproduction device, thedisplaying and outputting device, a specifying device and the controldevice.

According to the computer program product for the record control, thereproduction control, or the record reproduction control of theinvention, at least a part of the first record device, the second recorddevice, the reproduction device, the displaying and outputting device, aspecifying device and the control device according to the presentinvention mentioned above may be embodied relatively easily, by readingand running the computer program product from a record medium, such as aROM, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a hard disk and so on, storing the computerprogram therein/thereon, or by downloading the computer program productto the computer via the communication device and running it. Morespecifically, the computer program product may be made of computerreadable codes (or computer readable commands) to make the computerfunction as at least a part of the first record device, the secondrecord device, the reproduction device, the displaying and outputtingdevice, a specifying device and the control device.

These effects and other advantages of the present invention become moreapparent from the following embodiments and examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates, in its upper part, a general plan view of an opticaldisc as an embodiment of the information record medium of the presentinvention; and illustrates, in its lower part, a schematic conceptualdiagram of an area structure in a radius direction corresponding to thegeneral plan view in the upper part.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic conceptual diagram (FIG. 2(a)) of aconventional program stream of MPEG2; a schematic conceptual diagram(FIG. 2(b)) of a transport stream of MPEG2 used in the embodiment; and aschematic conceptual diagram (FIG. 2 (c)) of a program stream of MPEG2used in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a data structure recordedon the optical disc in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram hierarchically illustrating a detail of adata structure in each title shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram hierarchically illustrating a detail of adata structure in each play list set shown in FIG. 3

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a detail of adata structure in each play list set shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a detail of adata structure of each item shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a logicstructure of data in each title element shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual view schematically illustrating a logic structureof data in each title element shown in FIG. 4, in a case that each playlist set is composed of one play list.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual view schematically illustrating a detail of adata structure in each object shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 is a view schematically illustrating a situation that anelementary stream for a program #1, shown in the upper column, and anelementary stream for a program #2, shown in the middle column, aremultiplexed to form a transport stream for these two programs, on thebasis of a time scale in a horizontal direction.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual view conceptually illustrating an image of TSpackets multiplexed in one transport stream in the embodiment, as apacket arrangement based on the time scale.

FIG. 13 is a view schematically illustrating a logic structure of dataon an optical disc in the embodiment, focusing on development from alogic hierarchy to an object hierarchy or an entity hierarchy.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an informationrecord reproduction apparatus in the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart indicating a recording operation (part 1) of theinformation record reproduction apparatus in the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart indicating a recording operation (part 2) of theinformation record reproduction apparatus in the embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart indicating a recording operation (part 3) of theinformation record reproduction apparatus in the embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart indicating a recording operation (part 4) of theinformation record reproduction apparatus in the embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart indicating a reproduction operation of theinformation record reproduction apparatus in the embodiment.

FIGS. 20 are conceptual diagrams showing one specific example of: a datastructure of SP control information for controlling sub picture data(FIG. 20(a)); and a SP data structure including SP data as beingstill-picture data, which mainly constitutes the sub-picture data (FIG.20(b)).

FIG. 21 are conceptual diagrams showing three types of sub-picturestructures, constructed from the SP control information and the SP datastructure shown in FIGS. 20.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship among a SPD streamand a plurality of SCP streams, with respect to a reproduction timeaxis.

FIG. 23 is a conceptual diagram showing a structure of object datarelated to a sub frame, in the embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a plan view showing a display example on a “Dokodemo menu(i.e. wherever and/or whenever (anytime) menu)” screen in theembodiment.

FIG. 25 is a conceptual diagram showing that the sub frame is cut out ofthe SP data (the still-picture data), on the basis of the SP controlinformation, in order to reproduce and display the “Dokodemo menu” shownin FIG. 24, in the embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a conceptual diagram showing one specific example of a playlist information file, which can display the “Dokodemo menu ”.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing processes for determining the object ofthe Item to be reproduced, in the embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing processes for reproducing the object, inthe embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a view conceptually illustrating a general flow of an accessduring a reproduction in the embodiment, showing in association with alogic structure of an optical disc.

FIG. 30 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating ahierarchical structure in a specific example of a title information setin the embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating ahierarchical structure in a specific example of a disc header in theembodiment.

FIG. 32 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating ahierarchical structure in a specific example of title information in theembodiment.

FIG. 33 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating ahierarchical structure in a specific example of a play list set in theembodiment.

FIG. 34 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating ahierarchical structure in a specific example of a play list in theembodiment.

FIG. 35 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating ahierarchical structure in a specific example of a play list element inthe embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating ahierarchical structure in a specific example of an item definition tablein the embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a diagram schematically showing a specific example of a datastructure in an AU table constructed in the object information file andan ES map table associated with the AU table, in a specific example ofthe embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a diagram schematically showing a specific example of a datastructure in an AU table constructed in the object information file andan ES map table associated with the AU table, in a specific example ofthe embodiment.

FIG. 39 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing a hierarchystructure in a modified example of the play list.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(Information Record Medium)

The information record medium of the present invention is discussed,with reference to its embodiments, as well as FIG. 1 to FIG. 13. Inthese embodiments, the information record medium of the presentinvention is applied to an optical disc capable of recording (writing)and reproducing (reading).

Firstly, with reference to FIG. 1, a fundamental structure of theoptical disc in an embodiment is discussed. FIG. 1 illustrates, in itsupper part, a general plan view of the optical disc structure having aplurality of areas, and illustrates conceptually, in its lower part, anarea structure in the radius direction corresponding to the upper part.

As shown in FIG. 1, the optical disc 100 may be recorded by variousrecord methods, such as a magneto-optical method, a phase change method,capable of recording (writing) only once or a plurality of times.Similarly to DVDs, the optical disc 100 has a lead-in area 104, a dataarea 106 and a lead-out area 108, from the inner circumference around acenter hole 102 to the outer circumference, on the record surface of thedisc body measuring about 12 cm in diameter. In each area, groove tracksand land tracks may be alternately arranged, concentrically or spirallyaround the center hole 102. The groove tracks may be wobbled.Furthermore, pre-pits may be formed on one or both of these tracks.Incidentally, the present invention is not exclusively limited to theoptical disc having three areas mentioned above.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the structures of the transport stream(TS) and the program stream (PS) to be recorded onto the optical disc inthe embodiment are discussed. FIG. 2 (a) schematically illustrates aMPEG2 program stream of a conventional DVD for a comparison, FIG. 2 (b)schematically illustrates a MPEG2 transport stream (TS) structure.Furthermore, FIG. 2(c) schematically illustrates a MPEG2 program streamstructure in the present invention.

In FIG. 2(a), one program stream to be recorded in the conventional DVDincludes only one video stream for video data as main pictureinformation, along the time axis t, and further includes up to 8 audiostreams of audio data as audio information, up to 32 sub-picture streamsfor sub-picture data as sub-picture information. That is, the video datato be multiplexed at an arbitrary time point tx relates to only onevideo stream. For example, a plurality of video stream corresponding toa plurality of TV programs or a plurality of movies can not be includedat the same time in the program stream. It is not possible to multiplexa plurality of TV programs and transfer or record them, in a programstream format of a DVD having only one video stream, because at leastone video stream is required for each TV program, in order to transferor record the multiplexed TV program or the like involving a videoimage.

In FIG. 2(b), one transport stream (TS) to be recorded in the opticaldisc 100 of the present invention includes a plurality of video streamsas elementary streams (ES) for video data as main picture information,and further includes a plurality of audio streams as elementary streams(ES) for audio data as audio information and a plurality of sub-picturestreams as elementary streams (ES) for sub-picture as sub-pictureinformation. That is, the video data to be multiplexed at an arbitrarytime point tx relates to a plurality of video streams. For example, aplurality of video streams that may correspond to a plurality of TVprograms or a plurality of movies can be included at the same time inthe transport stream. Thus, it is possible to multiplex a plurality ofTV programs and transfer or record them, in the transport stream formathaving a plurality of video streams. However, the sub-picture stream isnot transferred in a digital broadcasting employing the existingtransport stream.

In FIG. 2(c), one program stream (PS) to be recorded onto the opticaldisc 100 of the present invention includes a plurality of video streamsfor video data as main picture information, and further includes aplurality of audio streams for audio data as audio information and aplurality of sub-picture streams for sub-picture data as sub-pictureinformation. That is, the video data to be multiplexed at an arbitrarytime point tx relates to a plurality of video streams. For example, aplurality of video streams that may correspond to a plurality of TVprograms or a plurality of movies can be included at the same time inthe program stream.

Incidentally, for convenience of explanation, the video stream, theaudio stream and the sub-picture stream are arranged in this order fromthe top in FIG. 2(a) to FIG. 2(c). Nevertheless, this order or sequencedoes not correspond to an order or sequence for multiplexing packet bypacket as mentioned below. In the transport stream, conceptually, a setof one video stream, two audio streams and two sub-picture streamscorresponds to one program for example.

The optical disc 100 in the aforementioned embodiment is adapted tomulti-record the transport stream (TS) as shown in FIG. 2(b), i.e. torecord a plurality of programs at the same time. Furthermore, instead ofor in addition to this transport stream, the program stream (PS) asshown in FIG. 2(c) can be multi-recorded onto the same optical disc 100.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 10, a structure of data to berecorded onto the optical disc 100 is discussed. FIG. 3 schematicallyillustrates the data structure to be recorded onto the optical disc 100.FIG. 4 schematically illustrates in detail the data structure in eachobject shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 schematically show a datastructure in detail respectively in each play list (P list) set shown inFIG. 3. FIG. 7 schematically shows a detail of the data structure ofeach item shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 schematically shows a logic structureof data in each title element shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 9 schematicallyshows a logic structure of data in each title element, in a case thateach play list set is composed of one play list. FIG. 10 schematicallyshows a detail of a data structure in each object shown in FIG. 3.

In the following explanation, the “title” means a reproduction unit, onthe basis of which a plurality of “play lists” are executed continuouslyor sequentially, and which is a logically large grouped unit, such asone movie or one TV program. The “play list set” means a bundle of “playlists”. For example, it may be a bundle of play lists to reproduce aplurality of content information having a special relationshipswitchable to each other in an angle reproduction or a parentalreproduction, or may be a bundle of play lists to reproduce contentinformation relating to a plurality of programs broadcasted in the sametime zone and collectively recorded. Alternatively, it may be a bundleof play lists to reproduce various content information, in one title,prepared on the basis of required function, for example on the basis ofvideo performance or audio performance required for the informationreproduction system, such as a high vision compatibility, a displayresolution, a surround speaker compatibility, a speaker layout and soon. The “play list” is information for storing the information requiredto reproduce the “object” and consists of a plurality of “items” eachstoring the information about a reproduction range of the object toaccess the object. The “object” is the entity information of contentsconstructing the aforementioned MPEG2 transport stream.

In FIG. 3, the optical disc 100 is provided with four files as a logicalstructure: a disc information file 110; a play list (P list) informationfile 120; an object information file 130; and an object data file 140.The disc 100 is further provided with a file system 105 for managingthese files. Incidentally, although FIG. 3 does not show directly thephysical data arrangement on the optical disc 100, it is possible toperform the recording in such a manner that the arrangement shown inFIG. 3 corresponds to another arrangement shown in FIG. 1. That is, itis possible to record the file system 105 or the like in the data recordarea 106 following the lead-in area 104 and further record the objectdata file 140 or the like in the data record area 106. The filestructure shown in FIG. 3 can be constructed, even without the lead-inarea 104 or the lead-out area 108 shown in FIG. 1.

The disc information file 110 is a file for storing general informationabout the entire optical disc 100, and stores the disc generalinformation 112, the title information table 114 and other information118. The disc general information 112 may store the total numbers oftitles or the like in the optical disc 100. The title information table114 includes a title pointer 114-1 and a plurality of titles 200 (title#1-#m) whose ID (identification) number or record address is indicatedby the title pointer. In each title 200, each title type (e.g.sequential reproduction type, branch type and so on), or the play list(P list) number constructing each title is recorded for each title, asthe logical information.

More specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, each title 200 ismade of a title general information 200-1, a plurality of title elements200-2 and other information 200-5. Furthermore, each title element 200-2is made of a pre-command 200PR, a pointer 200PT to a play list set, apost command 200PS and other information 200-6.

The pointer 200PT as an example of the first pointer informationaccording to the present invention indicates an ID number of the playlist set 126S stored in the play list information file 120 correspondingto content information to be reproduced on the basis of the titleelement 200-2 including the pointer 200PT. Incidentally, the pointer200PT may be information to indicate a record position of the play listset 126S corresponding to the content information to be reproduced onthe basis of the title element 200-2. The pre-command 200PR as anexample of the first pre-command according to the present inventionindicates a command to be executed before reproducing the contentinformation whose reproduction sequence is defined by one play list set126S designated by the pointer 200PT. The post command 200PS as anexample of the first post command according to the present invention isa command to be executed after reproducing the content information whosereproduction sequence is defined by said one play list set. Otherinformation 200-5 included in the title element 200-2 may include nextinformation to designate a title element for a next reproduction afterthe present reproduction of the present title element, for example.

Therefore, when the information reproduction apparatus reproduces theinformation record medium, the desired content information can bereproduced as a title element 200-2, by making access to the play listset 126S in accordance with the pointer 200PT and performing a controlto select play list corresponding to the desired program or the likefrom among a plurality of play lists 126 in the play list set 126S.Furthermore, reproducing such a title element 200-2 solely orsequentially makes it possible to reproduce one title 200. Furthermore,it is possible to execute commands to be executed before reproduction,in the content information whose reproduction sequence is defined by oneplay list set 126S designated by the pointer 200PT, according to thepre-command 200PR. Furthermore, it is possible to execute commands to beexecuted after the reproduction, in the content information whosereproduction sequence is defined by one play list set 126S designated bythe pointer 200PT, according to the post command 200PS. The post command200PS may be a command to branch the content information, a command toselect a next title and so on. Additionally, it is possible to reproducea next title element 200-2 to be reproduced after the presentlyreproduced title element 200-2, according to the “next information”included in other information 200-5.

Again in FIG. 3, the play list information file 120 stores the play list(P list) information table 121 indicating the logical structure of eachplay list. This table 121 is divided into the play list (P list)management information 122, the play list (P list) set pointer 124, aplurality of play list (P list) sets 126S (P list set #1-#n), and otherinformation 128. In this play list information table 121, the logicalinformation of each play list set 126S is stored in the order of theplay list set number. In other words, the order for storing the eachplay list set 126S is the play list set numbers. Furthermore, in theaforementioned title information table 114, the same play list set 126Scan be referred from a plurality of titles 200. That is, the play listset #p in the play list information table 121 may be pointed on thetitle information table 114, even in the case that title #q and title #ruse the same play list set #p.

As shown in FIG. 5, the play list set 126S includes play list setgeneral information 126-1, a plurality of play lists 126 (play list#1-#x), an item definition table 126-3, and other information 126-4.Each play list 126 includes a plurality of play list elements 126-2(play list element #1-#y), and other information 126-5. Furthermore,each play list element 126-2 includes a pre-command 126PR, a pointer126PT to item, a post command 126PS and other information 126-6.

The pointer 126PT as an example of the second pointer informationaccording to the present invention indicates an item identificationnumber defined by the item definition table 126-3 corresponding to thecontent information to be reproduced on the basis of the play listelement 126-2 including the pointer 126PT. Incidentally, the pointer126PT may be an item record position defined by the item definitiontable 126-3.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the play list set 126S, a plurality of items 204are defined in the item definition table 126-3. They are commonlybelonged to a plurality of play lists 126. Furthermore, as the play listset general information 126-1, a name of each play list 126 included inthe play list set 126S, UI (user interface information) such as areproduction time, address information to each item definition table126-3 and so on are recorded.

Again in FIG. 5, the pre-command 126PR as an example of the secondpre-command according to the present invention indicates a command to beexecuted before reproduction of one item 204 designated by the pointer126PT. The post command 126PS as an example of the second post commandaccording to the present invention indicates a command to be executedafter the reproduction of said one item 204. Other information 126-6included in the play list element 126-2 may include the next informationto designate the play list element 126-2 relating to the nextreproduction of the reproduction of the play list element 126-2.

As shown in FIG. 7, the item 204 is a minimum unit to be displayed. Inthe item 204, “in-point information” to indicate a start address of anobject and “out-point information” to indicate an end address of theobject are recorded. Incidentally, each of these “in-point information”and “out-point information” may indicate the address directly orindirectly as a time period or time point on the reproduction timescale. In the figure, if a plurality of ESs (Elementary Streams) aremultiplexed for the object designated by “stream object #m”, designatingthe item 204 means designating a special ES or special combination ofESs.

As shown in FIG. 8, the title element 200-2 logically consists of thepre-command 200PR or 126PR, the play list set 126S selected by thepointer 200PT, the post command 200PT or 126PS, and the next information200-6N. Therefore, a processing to select the play list 126 from amongthe play list set 126S is executed, according to any conditionreproducible in a system, such as video resolution.

As shown in FIG. 9, however, if the play list set designated by thepointer 200PT consists of only one play list, i.e. if the play list set126S shown in FIG. 3 is replaced by a single play list 126, the titleelement 200-2 logically consists of the pre-command 200PR or 126PR, theplay list 126 to be reproduced during the reproduction operation, thepost command 200PS or 126PS, and the next information 200-6N. In thiscase, once the play list set is designated for the reproduction, thesingle play list 126 is reproduced, regardless of the conditionreproducible in the system.

Again in FIG. 3, in the object information file 130, the storageposition (i.e. the logical address of the reproduction object) in theobject data file 140 for each item constructed in each play list 126,and/or various attribute information relating to the reproduction of theitem are stored. Particularly in this embodiment, the object informationfile 130 stores the AU table 131 including a plurality of AU (AssociateUnit) information 1321 (AU #1-#q) as mentioned below, the ES (ElementaryStream) map table 134 and other information 135.

The object data file 140 stores a plurality of TS objects 142 for eachtransport stream (TS #1 object-TS #s object), i.e. entity data ofcontents to be actually reproduced.

Incidentally, four kinds of file discussed with reference to FIG. 3 canbe further divided into a plurality of files respectively to be stored.All these files may be managed by the file system 105. For example, theobject data file 140 can be divided into a plurality of files such asobject data file #1, object data file #2 and so on.

As shown in FIG. 10, the TS object 142 shown in FIG. 3, as a logicallyreproducible unit, may be divided into a plurality of aligned units 143each having 6 kB of data amount. The head of the aligned units 143 isaligned with the head of the TS object 142. Each aligned unit 143 isfurther divided into a plurality of source packets 144 each having 192Bof data amount. The source packet 144 is a physically reproducible unit,on the basis of which (i.e. packet by packet) at least the video data,the audio data and the sub-picture data from among the data on theoptical disc 100 are multiplexed, and other information may bemultiplexed in the same manner. Each source packet 144 includes thecontrol information 145 having 4B of data amount to control thereproduction, such as the packet arrival time stamp or the likeindicating the reproduction start time point of the TS (TransportStream) packet on the reproduction time scale, and includes the TSpacket 146 having 188B of data amount. The TS packet 146 (also referredto as “TS packet payload”) has a packet header 146 a at its headportion. The video data may be packetized as the “video packet”, theaudio data may be packetized as the “audio packet”, or the sub-picturedata may be packetized as the “sub-picture packet”, otherwise other datamay be packetized.

Next, with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, an explanation is made onthe multi-recording of the video data, the audio data, the sub-picturedata and the like in the transport stream format as shown in FIG. 2(b),by the TS packet 146 shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 11 conceptually illustratesthat the elementary stream (ES) for program #1 (PG1) in the upper stageand the elementary stream (ES) for program #2 (PG2) in the middle stageare multiplexed, and the transport stream (TS) for these two programs(PG1&2) is formed, under an assumption that a horizontal axis is definedas a time axis. FIG. 12 conceptually illustrates an image of the TSpackets multiplexed in one transport stream (TS), as a packet arrayalong the time (sic).

As shown in FIG. 11, the elementary stream for program #1 (in the upperstage) may be formed by discretely arranging TS packets 146 obtained bypacketizing the video data for program #1, along the time axis. Theelementary stream for program #2 (in the middle stage) may be formed bydiscretely arranging TS packets obtained by packetizing the video datafor program #2, along the time axis. Then, these TS packets 146 aremultiplexed so that the transport stream (in the lower stage) for twoprograms is made. Incidentally, omitted for convenience of explanationin FIG. 11, the elementary stream made of TS packets obtained bypacketizing the audio data as the elementary stream for program #1,and/or the sub-picture stream made of TS packets obtained by packetizingthe sub-picture data may be multiplexed similarly, as shown in FIG.2(b). In addition to this, the elementary stream made of TS packetsobtained by packetizing the audio data, as the elementary stream forprogram #2, and the sub-picture stream made of TS packets obtained bypacketizing the sub-picture data may be multiplexed similarly.

As shown in FIG. 12, in this embodiment, a plurality of TS packets 146multiplexed as such forms one TS stream. Then, a plurality of TS packets146 in the multiplexed form is multi-recorded onto the optical disc 100,with the information such as the packet arrival time stamp 145 and thelike being added. Incidentally, in FIG. 12, the TS packet 146 consistingof the data forming program #i (i=1, 2, 3) is indicated by “element(i0j)”, wherein, j (j=1, 2, . . . ) is a sequential number for eachstream composing the program. This (i0j) is defined as a packet ID whichis an identification number of the TS packet 146 for each elementarystream. This packet ID is fixed at an inherent value for a plurality ofTS packets 146 to be multiplexed at the same time point, so that theplurality of TS packets 146 are distinguished from each other even ifmultiplexed at the same time point.

Furthermore, in FIG. 12, the PAT (Program Association Table) and the PMT(Program Map Table) are also packetized by the TS packet 146 unit andmultiplexed. The PAT among them stores a table indicating a plurality ofPMT packet IDs. Particularly, the PAT is defined by MPEG2 standard sothat (000) is given as a predetermined packet ID, as shown in FIG. 12.That is, from among a plurality of packets multiplexed at the same timepoint, the TS packet 146 obtained by packetizing the PAT is detected, asthe TS packet 146 whose packet ID is (000). The PMT stores a tableindicating the packet ID for each elementary stream forming each programin one or more programs. Any packet ID can be given to the PMT, theirpacket IDs are indicated by the PAT detectable with the packet ID (000)as mentioned above. Therefore, among a plurality of packets multiplexedat the same time point, the TS packets 146 obtained by packetizing thePMT (i.e. TS packets 146 to which packet IDs (100), (200) and (300) aregiven in FIG. 12) are detected on the basis of the PAT.

In the case that the transport stream as shown in FIG. 12 is transferreddigitally, the tuner refers to the PAT and the PMT constructed as suchand thereby extracts the multiplexed packets corresponding to thedesired elementary stream and decodes the extracted packets.

In this embodiment, these PAT and PMT are included as the TS packets 146to be stored in the TS object 142 shown in FIG. 10. That is, when thetransport stream as shown in FIG. 12 is transferred, the transferredstream can be directly recorded onto the optical disc 100, which is agreat advantage.

Furthermore in this embodiment, these PAT and PMT recorded as such arenot referred to when the optical disc 100 is reproduced. Instead,referring to the AU table 131 and the ES map table 134, shown in FIG. 3and mentioned in detail later, makes it possible to perform thereproduction effectively and apply to the complicated multi-visionreproduction or the like. For this, in this embodiment, a relationshipbetween packets and the elementary stream obtained by referring to thePAT and the PMT on decoding or recording for example is stored in theobject information file 130, in a form of AU table 131 and ES map table134, without packetizing or multiplexing.

Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the logical structure of data on theoptical disc 100 is discussed. FIG. 13 schematically illustrates thelogical structure of data on the optical disc 100, focusing on thedevelopment from the logic hierarchy to the object hierarchy or theentity hierarchy.

In FIG. 13, one or more titles 200 that are a logical large unit such asone movie or one TV program are recorded on the optical disc 100. Eachtitle 200 includes one or more title elements 200-2. Each title element200-2 logically consists of a plurality of play list sets 126S. In eachtitle element 200-2, the plurality of play list sets 126S may have asequential structure or may have a branch structure.

Incidentally, in the case of a simple logical structure, one titleelement 200-2 consists of one play list set 126S. Furthermore, one playlist set 126S consists of one play list 126. On the other hand, it ispossible to refer to one play list set 126S by a plurality of titleelements 200-2 or a plurality of titles 200.

Each play list 126 is logically made of a plurality of items (playitems) 204. In each play list 126, a plurality of items 204 may have thesequential structure or may have the branch structure. On the otherhand, it is possible to refer to one item 204 by a plurality of playlists 126. The aforementioned in-point information and out-pointinformation recorded on/in the item 204 logically designates thereproduction range of the TS object 142. Then, the object information130 d of the logically designated reproduction range is referred to andthereby the reproduction range of the TS object 142 is physicallydesignated, via the file system finally. Here, the object information130 d includes various information to reproduce the TS object 142, suchas the attribute information of the TS object 142, the ES addressinformation 134 d and the like required for the data search in the TSobject 142 (Incidentally, the ES map table 134 shown in FIG. 3 includesa plurality of ES address information 134 d).

Then, when the information record and reproduce apparatus reproduces theTS object 142 as mentioned below, a physical address to be reproduced inthe TS object 142 is obtained from the item 204 and the objectinformation 130 d so that a desired elementary stream is reproduced.

Incidentally, the EP (Entry Pass) map including a plurality of ESaddress information 134 d, shown within the object information of FIG.13, herein indicates an object information table in which the AU table131 and the ES map table 134 are listed.

Thus, in this embodiment, the in-point information and out-pointinformation recorded on/in the item 204, as well as the ES addressinformation 134 d recorded in the ES map table 134 (see FIG. 3) of theobject information 130 d make it possible to perform the associationfrom the logic hierarchy to the object hierarchy in the reproductionsequence so that the elementary stream is reproduced.

As discussed above, in this embodiment, units of the TS packet 146 aremultiplexed and recorded on the optical disc 100. Thereby, the transportstream including a plurality of elementary streams as shown in FIG. 2(b)can be recorded onto the optical disc 100. In this embodiment, in thecase that digital broadcasting is recorded onto the optical disc 100, aplurality of programs can be recorded at the same time, within therestriction of the record rate. Nevertheless, a record method isemployed herein, in which a plurality of programs are multiplexed andrecorded for one TS object 142. Now, an explanation is made on anembodiment of the information record reproduction apparatus capable ofperforming such a record processing.

(Information Record Reproduction Apparatus)

Next, with reference to FIG. 14 to FIG. 19, an embodiment of theinformation record reproduction apparatus of the present invention isdiscussed. Here, FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the information recordreproduction apparatus, and FIGS. 15 to 19 illustrate the operationalflow.

In FIG. 14, the information record reproduction apparatus 500 is roughlydivided into a reproduction system and a record system. The apparatus500 is constructed to record the information onto the optical disc 100mentioned above and reproduce the information recorded thereon/therein.In this embodiment, the information record reproduction apparatus 500 isthus for recording and reproduction. Nevertheless, an embodiment of theinformation record apparatus according to the present invention can beconstructed basically with the record system of the apparatus 500 and anembodiment of the information reproduction apparatus according to thepresent invention can be constructed basically with the reproductionsystem of the apparatus 500.

The information record reproduction apparatus 500 is provided with: anoptical pickup 502; a servo unit 503; a spindle motor 504; a decoder506; a demultiplexer 508; a video decoder 511; an audio decoder 512; asub-picture decoder 513; an adder 514; a still picture decoder 515; asystem controller 520; a memory 530; a memory 540; a memory 550; amodulator 606; a formatter 608; a TS object generator 610; a videoencoder 611; an audio encoder 612; and a sub-picture encoder 613. Thesystem controller 520 includes a file system/logical structure datagenerator 521 and a file system/logical structure data reader 522.Furthermore, the memory 530 and a user interface 720 to give a userinput such as title information are connected to the system controller520.

Among these constitutional elements, the decoder 506, the demultiplexer508, the video decoder 511, the audio decoder 512, the sub-picturedecoder 513, the adder 514, the still picture decoder 514, the memory540 and the memory 550 mainly constructs the reproduction system. On theother hand, among these constitutional elements, the modulator 606, theformatter 608, the TS object generator 610, the video encoder 611, theaudio encoder 612 and the sub-picture encoder 613 mainly constructs therecord system. The optical pickup 502, the servo unit 503, the spindlemotor 504, the system controller 520, the memory 530 and the userinterface 720 to give the user input such as title information aregenerally shared for both the reproduction system and the record system.Furthermore, for the record system, a TS object data source 700 (or a PSobject data source 700, or a still picture data source 700 such as bitmap data, JPEG data and the like); a video data source 711; an audiodata source 712; and a sub-picture data source 713 are prepared.Furthermore, the file system/logical structure data generator 521disposed in the system controller 520 is used mainly in the recordsystem, and the file system/logical structure reader 522 is used mainlyin the reproduction system.

The optical pickup 502 irradiates the optical disc 100 with a light beamLB such as a laser beam, at the first power as reading light for thereproduction, and at the second power with the light beam LB beingmodified as writing light for recording. The servo unit 503 performs thefocus servo, the tracking servo and the like for the optical pickup 502,as well as the spindle servo for the spindle motor 504, under control ofthe control signal Sc1 outputted from the system controller 520, duringthe reproduction and recording. The spindle motor 504 is controlledunder the spindle servo by the servo unit 503, for rotating the opticaldisc 100 at a predetermined speed.

(i) Structure And Operation Of Record System

Next, with reference to FIG. 14 to FIG. 18, a specific structure and theoperation of each constitutional element constructing the record systemof the information record and reproduction system 500 is explained ineach case.

(i-1) In The Case That The Already Generated Object Is Used

This case is discussed, with reference to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15.

In FIG. 14, the TS object data source 700 may be made of the memorystorage such as a video tape, a memory, for storing the TS object dataD1.

Firstly in FIG. 15, each title information (e.g. play list contentsetc.) to be logically constructed on the optical disc 100 using the TSobject data D1 is inputted into the system controller 520, as the userinput I2 such as the title information, via the user interface 720.Then, the system controller 520 imports the user input I2 such as thetitle information via the user interface 720 (step S21: Yes, and stepS22). In this case, the user interface 720, under control of the controlsignal Sc4 from the system controller 520, can perform the inputoperation in response to the contents to be recorded, such as theselection via the title menu screen. Incidentally, if the user input isalready performed (step S21: No), these processings are omitted.

Next, the TS object data source 700 outputs the TS object data D1, undercontrol of the control signal Sc8 to indicate the data reading from thesystem controller 520. Then, the system controller 520 imports the TSobject data D1 from the TS object data source 700 (step S23), andperforms the data array analysis (e.g. a record data length and thelike) of the TS object data D1, the analysis of each elementary streamstructure (e.g. understanding of ES_PID (elementary stream/packetidentification number)), on the basis of the PAT, the PMT and the likepacketized with the video data as mentioned above, due to the TSanalysis feature in the file system/logical structure data generator 521(step S24).

Next, the system controller 520 makes the file system/logical structuredata generator 521 generate the disc information file 110, the play listinformation file 120, the object information file 130 and the filesystem 105 (see FIG. 3), as the logical information file data D4, on thebasis of the analysis result of each elementary stream and the TS objectdata D1 data array, as well as the user input I2 such as the importedtitle information (step S25). The memory 530 is used to generate thislogical information file data D4.

Incidentally, variations in which the data about each elementary streamstructure information and the TS object data D1 data array may beprepared in advance are naturally understood or suggested, all of whichare encompassed within a scope of the embodiment.

In FIG. 14, the formatter 608 is for formatting the data array to storeboth the TS object data D1 and the logical information file data D4 onthe optical disc 100. More specifically, the formatter 608 is providedwith a switch Sw1 and a switch Sw2 and is switching-controlled by aswitch control signal Sc5 from the system controller 520. Whenformatting the TS object data D1, it connects the switch Sw1 to a{circle around (1)} side and the switch Sw2 to the {circle around (1)}side so as to output the TS object data D1 from the TS object datasource 700. Incidentally, the transmission control of the TS object dataD1 is performed by the control signal Sc8 from the system controller520. On the other hand, when formatting the logical information filedata D4, the formatter 608 is switching-controlled by the switch controlsignal Sc5 from the system controller 520, and connects the switch Sw2to a {circle around (2)} side so as to output the logical informationfile data D4.

At step S26 in FIG. 15, (i) the logical information file data D4 fromthe file system/logical structure data generator 521 at the step S25 or(ii) the TS object data D1 from the TS object data source 700 isoutputted through the formatter 608, under the switching-control by theformatter 608 as constructed above (step S26).

The selection output from the formatter 608 is transmitted to themodulator 606 as disc image data D5, and modulated by the modulator 606,and recorded onto the optical disc 100 through the optical pickup 502(step S27). The system controller 520 also executes the disc recordcontrol in this case.

Then, if both the logical information file data D4 generated at the stepS25 and the corresponding object data D1 have not been completelyrecorded yet, the operational flow returns to the step S26 to continuethe recording (step S28: No). Incidentally, there is no preference inthe record sequence of the logical information file data D4 and thecorresponding object data D1.

On the other hand, if the both have been already recorded, it is judgedwhether or not the recording onto the optical disc 100 is to be ended,on the basis of the presence or absence of an end command (step S29). Ifit is not to be ended (step S29: No), the operational flow returns tothe step S21 to continue the recording. On the other hand, if it is tobe ended (step S29: Yes), a series of record processing ends.

As described above, the information record reproduction apparatus 500performs the record processing in the case of using the already preparedTS object.

Incidentally, the example in FIG. 15 shows that the logical informationfile data D4 and the corresponding object data D1 are outputted at thestep S26, after preparing the logical information file data D4 at thestep S25. However, it is also possible to output the object data D1and/or record the object data D1 onto the optical disc 100 before thestep S25, so that the logical information file data D4 is generatedand/or recorded after or in parallel with this recording.

Additionally, a PS object data source or a still picture data source maybe used instead of the TS object data source 700. In this case, therecording processing the same as in the case of the TS object data D1 asmentioned above is performed for the PS object data, or the sill picturedata such as bit map data, JPEG data and the like, instead of the TSobject data D1. Furthermore, instead of the TS object 142, the PS objectdata or the still picture data is stored in the object data file 140.Then, various logic information about the PS object data or the stillpicture data is generated under control of the system controller 520,and stored in the disc information file 110, the play list informationfile 120, the object information file 130 and the like.

(i-2) The Case Of Receiving And Recording The Transport Stream On Air

This case is explained with reference to FIG. 14 and FIG. 16.Incidentally, in FIG. 16, the same steps as those in FIG. 15 have thesame step reference numbers, and their explanation is omitted asoccasion demands.

Again, in this case, the similar processing is performed, as is “thecase of using the already prepared object” described above. Therefore,the following explanation is focused on the differences from this case.

In the case of receiving and recording the transport stream on air, theTS object data source 700 is provided with a receiver (set top box) forreceiving the digital broadcast on air, for example, receives the TSobject data D1, and transmits it to the formatter 608 in real time (stepS41). At the same time, reception information D3 (i.e. informationcorresponding to the data transmitted through the receiver and theinterface of the system controller 520) including the programconstruction information and the belowmentioned ES_PID information,which are deciphered upon receiving, is imported into the systemcontroller 520 and is stored into the memory 530 (step S44).

In the meantime, the TS object data D1 outputted to the formatter 608 isoutputted to the modulator 606 under the switching-control by theformatter 608 (step S42), and is recorded onto the optical disc 100(step S43).

Along with these operations, using the program construction informationand the ES_PID information included in the reception information D3imported upon receiving and stored in the memory 530, the filesystem/logical structure data generator 521 prepares the logicalinformation file data D4 (step S24 and step S25). Then, after thecompletion of recording a series of the TS object data D1, this logicalinformation file data D4 is additionally recorded onto the optical disc100 (step S46 and step S47). Incidentally, these steps S24 and S25 maybe performed after the step S43.

Moreover, as the occasion demands (e.g. in the case of editing oneportion of the title, or the like), by adding the user input I2 of thetitle information and the like from the user interface 720 to theprogram construction information and the ES_PID information stored inthe memory 530, it is possible to prepare the logical information filedata D4 by the system controller 520 and additionally record this ontothe optical disc 100.

As described above, the information record reproduction apparatus 500performs the record processing in the case of receiving the transportstream on air and recording it in real time.

Incidentally, if all the reception data obtained when broadcasting isonce stored into an archive apparatus, and then, if this is used as theobject source 700, the same processing as that in “the case of using thealready prepared object” will do.

(i-3) The Case Of Recording the video data, the audio data and thesub-picture data

This case is explained with reference to FIG. 14 and FIG. 17.Incidentally, in FIG. 17, the same steps as those in FIG. 15 have thesame step reference numbers, and their explanation is omitted asoccasion demands.

In the case of recording the video data, the audio data, and thesub-picture data, which are individually prepared in advance, the videodata source 711, the audio data source 712, and the sub-picture datasource 713 are individually provided with the memory storage, such as avideo tape and a memory, and store a video data DV, an audio data DA,and a sub-picture data DS, respectively.

These data sources are controlled by the control signal Sc8 giving aninstruction for reading out the data from the system controller 520, andthey transmit the video data DV, the audio data DA, and the sub-picturedata DS, to the video encoder 611, the audio encoder 612, and thesub-picture encoder 613, respectively (step S61). Then, the videoencoder 611, the audio encoder 612, and the sub-picture encoder 613execute a predetermined type of encode processing (step S62).

The TS object generator 610 is controlled by a control signal Sc6 fromthe system controller 520 and converts the data encoded in this mannerto the TS object data constituting the transport stream (step S63). Inthis case, the data array information of each TS object data (e.g. arecord data length and the like) and the construction information ofeach elementary stream (e.g. the ES_PID, as described later, and thelike) are transmitted as information I6 from the TS object generator 610to the system controller 520 and are stored into the memory 530 (stepS66).

On the other hand, the TS object data generated by the TS objectgenerator 610 is transmitted to the {circle around (2)} side of theswitch Sw1 of the formatter 608. Namely, when formatting the TS objectdata from the TS object generator 610, the formatter 608 isswitching-controlled by the switch control signal Sc5 from the systemcontroller 520 to shift the switch Sw1 to the {circle around (2)} sideand the switch Sw2 to the {circle around (1)} side, thereby outputtingthe TS object data (step S64). Then, this TS object data is recordedonto the optical disc 100 through the modulator 606 (step S65).

Along with these operations, using the data array information of each TSobject data and the construction information of each elementary streamimported as the information I6 into the memory 530, the filesystem/logical structure data generator 521 prepares the logicalinformation file data D4 (step S24 and step S25). Then, after thecompletion of recording a series of the TS object data D2, the logicalinformation file data D4 is additionally recorded onto the optical disc100 (step S67 and step S68). Incidentally, the step S24 and the step S25may be processed after the step S65.

Moreover, as the occasion demands (e.g. in the case of editing oneportion of the title), by adding the user input I2 such as the titleinformation and the like from the user interface 720 to theseinformation stored in the memory 530, it is possible to prepare thelogical information file data D4 by the file system/logical structuregenerator 521 and additionally record this onto the optical disc 100.

As described above, the information record reproduction apparatus 500performs the record processing in the case of recording the video data,the audio data, and the sub-picture data, which are individuallyprepared in advance.

Incidentally, this record processing is applicable even when recordingan arbitrary content the user has.

(i-4) The Case Of Recording The Data By Authoring

This case is explained with reference to FIG. 14 and FIG. 18.Incidentally, in FIG. 18, the same steps as those in FIG. 15 have thesame step reference numbers, and their explanation is omitted asoccasion demands.

In this case, by combining the above described three types of recordprocessing in the three cases, an authoring system generates the TSobject, the logical information file data, and the like in advance (stepS81), and then completes the processing until switching-controlperformed at the formatter 608 (step S82). Then, the informationobtained by this operation is transmitted, as the disc image data D5, tothe modulator 606 equipped in front of and/or behind an original disccutting machine (step S83), and this cutting machine prepares theoriginal disc (step S84).

(ii) Structure And Operation In Reproduction System

Next, the specific structure and operation of each constitutionalelement constituting the reproduction system of the information recordreproduction apparatus 500 is explained with reference to FIG. 14 andFIG. 19.

In FIG. 14, via the user interface 720, the title to be reproduced fromthe optical disc 100, its reproduction condition and the like areinputted to the system controller 520, as the user input I2 such as thetitle information and the like. In this case, under control of thecontrol signal Sc4 from the system controller 520, the input processingsuitable for the content to be reproduced, such as a selection on atitle menu screen, can be achieved by the user interface 720.

Responding to this, the system controller 520 controls the discreproduction with respect to the optical disc 100, and the opticalpickup 502 transmits a reading signal S7 to the demodulator 506.

The demodulator 506 demodulates a recorded signal recorded onto theoptical disc 100 from this reading signal S7, and outputs it asdemodulated data D8. The logical information file data (i.e. the filesystem 105, the disc information file 110, the P list information file120, and the object information file 130, shown in FIG. 3) included inthis demodulated data D8 as being a not-multiplexed information part issupplied to the system controller 520. On the basis of this logicalinformation file data, the system controller 520 executes variousreproduction control, such as processing of determining a reproductionaddress and controlling the optical pickup 502.

On the other hand, depending on whether the TS object data is includedas the multiplexed information part in the demodulated data D8, orwhether the still picture data is included, or whether both data areincluded, the shift switch Sw3 is shifted to {circle around (1)} side(demultiplexer 508 side) or shifted to {circle around (2)} side (stilldecoder 515 side), under control of the control signal Sc10 from thesystem controller 520. Thereby, the TS object data is selectivelysupplied to the demultiplexer 508, and the still picture data isselectively supplied to the still picture decoder 515.

Then, as for the TS object data included as the multiplexed informationpart in the demodulated data D8, the demultiplexer 508 demultiplexes theTS object data, under control of the control signal Sc2 from the systemcontroller 520. Here, when the access to the reproduction positionaddress is terminated under the reproduction control by the systemcontroller 520, the control signal Sc2 is transmitted to start thedemultiplexing.

The video packet, the audio packet and the sub-picture packet aretransmitted respectively from the demultiplexer 508 and suppliedrespectively to the video decoder 511, the audio decoder 512 and thesub-picture decoder 513. Then, the video data DV, the audio data DA andthe sub-picture data DS are decoded, respectively. In this case, thesub-picture data DS is supplied to the adder 514 via the memory 540. Thesub-picture data DS is outputted from the memory 540, selectively or ata predetermined timing, under control of the control signal Sc5 from thesystem controller 520, so as to be super-imposed on the video data DV,if needed. That is, in comparison with a case that the sub-picture dataoutputted from the sub-picture decoder 513 is directly super-imposed, itis easy to control the timing of the super-imposing, or to judge theneed for the super-imposing. For example, under output control of thecontrol signal Sc5, it is possible to select whether or not a captionusing the sub-picture is displayed over the main picture, or whether ornot a menu screen using the sub-picture is displayed.

Incidentally, although the packets obtained by packetizing the PAT orthe PMT, included in the transport stream shown in FIG. 6, are includedas a part of the demodulated data D8, respectively, they are discardedor abandoned at the demultiplexer 508.

The adder 514 is controlled by a control signal Sc3 giving aninstruction of the mixing from the system controller 520, and mixes orsuperimposes in a predetermined timing the video data DV and thesub-picture data DS, which are respectively decoded at the video decoder511 and the sub-picture decoder 513. The result is outputted as a videooutput from the information record reproduction apparatus 500 to a TVmonitor, for example.

On the other hand, the audio data DA decoded at the audio decoder 512 isoutputted as an audio output from the information record reproductionapparatus 500 to an external speaker, for example.

In the case that the still picture data is included in the decoded dataD8, the still picture data is supplied to the still picture decoder 515,via the shift switch Sw3 controlled by the control signal Sc10 from thesystem controller 520, instead of or in addition to such a reproductionoperation or processing of the video data DV or the sub-picture data DS.Then, the still picture data such as the decoded bit map data, JPEG dataand the like is added to the adder 514 via the shift switch Sw4, withoutsubjected to any processing, under control of the control signal Sc1from the system controller 520. Alternatively, it may be temporarilystored in the memory 550 via the shift switch Sw4. The still picturedata is outputted from the memory 550, selectively or at a predeterminedtiming, under control of the control signal Sc12 from the systemcontroller 520, and then supplied to the adder 514 via the shift switchSw5. Thereby, if needed, the video data DV or the sub-picture data DS issuper-imposed over the still picture data or vice versa. That is, incomparison with a case that the still picture data outputted from thestill picture decoder 515 is directly super-imposed, it is easy tocontrol the timing of the super-imposing, or to judge the need for thesuper-imposing. For example, under output control of the control signalSc12, it is possible to select whether or not a still picture such as amenu screen or a window screen using the still picture data or a stillpicture as a background image using the still picture data is displayedon the main picture of the sub-picture.

Additionally, under control of the control signal Sc13 from the systemcontroller 520, the still picture data may be outputted via anotherroute (not shown), with the aid of the shift switch Sw5 shifted to{circle around (2)} side. Alternatively, no still picture data may beoutputted from the shift switch Sw5 shifted to {circle around (1)} side.

Here, the specific example of a reproduction processing routine by thesystem controller 520 is explained with reference to a flow chart ofFIG. 19.

In FIG. 19, it is assumed that as an initial condition, the recognitionof the optical disc 100 in the reproduction system and the recognitionof a volume structure and a file structure by the file system 105 (seeFIG. 3) have been already completed by the system controller 520 and thefile system/logical structure data reader 522 inside of the systemcontroller 520. Here, an explanation is made on the operational flowafter obtaining the total number of the total titles from the discgeneral information 112 in the disc information file 110 and thenchoosing or selecting one title from among them.

Firstly, the choice or selection of the title is performed via the userinterface 720 (step S211). Responding to this, the system controller 520obtains the information about the reproduction sequence from a readingresult of the file system/logical structure data reader 522.Incidentally, in the selection of the title 200, the desired titleelement(s) 200-2 (see FIG. 4) may be selected from among a whole titleelements 200-2 composing the title 200, with the aid of an externalinput operation by the user with using a remote controller and the like,or one title element 200-2 may be selected automatically depending on asystem parameter or the like adjusted for the information recordreproduction apparatus 500.

Then, contents of a plurality of play lists 126 composing a play listset 126S corresponding to the selected title 200 (title element 200-2)are obtained. Here, as a processing at a logic hierarchy, theinformation about the each play list 126 structure and each itemcomposing each play list (see FIG. 5, FIG. 6 and FIG. 13) is obtained(step S212).

Then, contents of the play list 126 to be reproduced is obtained fromamong a plurality of play lists 126 obtained at step S212. For example,herein, the reproduction is started from a play list #1, and thecontents of the corresponding play list 126 is obtained (step S213). Thecontents of the play list 126 may be one or more play list elements126-2 (see FIG. 5), which are obtained by the obtaining processing atstep S213.

Then, the pre-command 126PR (see FIG. 5) included in this play list 126is executed (step S214). Incidentally, it is possible for thepre-command 126PR to select one from among a plurality of play lists126, which composes the play list set 126S with a certain relationshipof the plurality of play lists 126. If the play list element 126-2composing the play list 126 does not have the pre-command 126PR, thisprocessing is omitted.

Then, the TS object 142 (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 10) to be reproduced isdetermined (step S215), on the basis of the item 204 (see FIG. 5 to FIG.7) identified by the play list 126 obtained at step S213. Morespecifically, on the basis of the item 204, the object information file130 (see FIG. 3) relating to the TS object 142 as the reproductiontarget is obtained and a stream number, address and the like of the TSobject 142 to be reproduced are identified.

Incidentally, in this embodiment, also the belowmentioned AU(Association Unit) information 132I and PU (Presentation Unit)information 302I are obtained as the information stored in the objectinformation file 130. On the basis of these informations, theaforementioned logic hierarchy is associated with the object hierarchy(see FIG. 13).

Then, the reproduction of the TS object 142 determined at step S215 isactually started. That is, on the basis of the processing at the logichierarchy, the processing at the object hierarchy is started (stepS216).

During the reproduction of the TS object 142, it is judged whether ornot the next item 204 composing the play list 126 to be reproducedexists (step S217). Then, insofar as the next item 204 exists (stepS217: Yes), the process goes back to the step S215 to repeat theaforementioned determination and the reproduction of the TS object 142.

On the other hand, at the judgement at step S217, if it is judged thatthe next item 204 does not exist (step S217: No), the post command 126PS(see FIG. 5) corresponding to the presently executed play list 126 isexecuted (step S218). Incidentally, if the play list element 126-2composing the play list 126 does not have the post command 126PS, thisprocessing is omitted.

Then, it is judged whether or not the next play list 126 composing theselected title 200 exists (step S219). If exists (step S219: Yes), theprocess goes back to the step S213 to repeat the processings followingobtaining the play list 126 to be reproduced.

On the other hand, at the judgement at step S219, if it is judged thatthe next play list 126 does not exist (step S219: No), i.e. if the allplay lists 126 to be reproduced corresponding to the title 200 selectedat step S211 are completely reproduced, a series of reproductionoperations or processings is terminated.

As discussed above, the information record reproduction apparatus 500 inthis embodiment reproduces the optical disc 100.

Particularly in the embodiment, in (i) Structure and Operation in RecordSystem, explained above, the play list information file 120 is recordedsuch that the play list 126 includes the Item 204, which specifies thecontent information, and a slave Item, which specifies the menuinformation corresponding to each Item 204.

Particularly in the embodiment, in (ii) Structure and Operation inReproduction System, explained above, the determination of the Item andthe slave item associated with the reproduction is performed indetermining the object in the step S215. Following this step, in thereproduction of the object in the step S216, while the menu is in areadily displayable condition by reproducing the menu by using thecorresponding slave item during the title reproduction by the Item andthe display output, the menu is displayed and outputted in response tothe specification by the user and the like. By these, the menu display,such as small window display and semitransparent superimpose display, isimmediately performed if the user desires or the similar case, with thetitle reproduction continued. On the other hand, if the user does notdesire or the similar case, such a menu display is not performed. Theselective menu display on a title screen performed by using the slaveitem, the sub picture, and the like as described above, will bedescribed later in detail.

(Selection Method Of Play List In Play List Set)

In the embodiment, the play list 126 corresponding to the desiredcontent information is selected, as occasion demands, from the play listset 126S which is included in the reproduced play list information file120.

With respect to such selection of the play list, the pre command 200PR(see FIG. 4) may be provided with a play list selection command grouplist in which a selection condition is described, for each play list126, and the selection of the play list may be performed in accordancewith this selection condition. It may be also performed in accordancewith the attribute information appended to each play list 126 which isstored in the play list set 126S (e.g. information for indicating theattribute of the content information related to the play list, such asvideo resolution about a video function, distinction ofprogressive/interleave, a video codec, the number of audio channels, andan audio codec). Alternatively, it may be also performed in accordancewith play list set control information, which is included in the titleelement 200-2, for storing the selection condition for each play list.By such selection, it is possible to select what corresponds to thedesired content information, such as a desired show, a desired parentalblock, and a desired angle block. Alternatively, for example, it ispossible to select such a play list that can be reproduced by theinformation reproduction system and that fully uses or maximizes thevideo reproduction function and the audio reproduction function owned bythe information reproduction system.

(Control Of Menu Display On Video Screen)

Next, with reference to FIG. 20 to FIG. 28, a menu which is selectivelyand immediately displayed according to a command (hereinafter referredto as a “menu display command” as appropriate) for indicating that themenu is displayed by a user's remote control operation or the like in anarbitrary area on the video screen by the title reproduction, will beexplained.

In the embodiment, as occasion demands, such a menu is referred to as a“Dokodemo menu” (or “wherever and/or whenever displayable menu”).Namely, the “Dokodemo menu” is a menu displayed and outputted at anarbitrary position or in an arbitrary area specified in advance by theproducer (or the author) of the contents or the like, on the videoscreen which is being displayed and outputted, by the title reproductiontypically based on the video stream. The “Dokodemo menu” is a title menudirectly related to the content of the title which is being reproduced(e.g. a menu for selecting and changing subtitle language, an angle,audio language, and the like, with respect to the title such as a moviewhich is being reproduced). Alternatively, the “Dokodemo menu” isindirectly related to the title which is being reproduced, such as adisc menu or the like associated with the entire optical disc 100 whichis being reproduced or the entire titles (e.g. a menu for displaying theentire titles, performing audio selection and setting, which is to bedefault about the entire titles). The display or non-display of the“Dokodemo menu” on the video screen can be changed according to the menudisplay command by a user. Moreover, the “Dokodemo menu” is displayed onthe basis of the object data for the “Dokodemo menu”, which will bedescribed later, and is a menu which is readily displayed according tothe menu display command or the like by a user. Incidentally, the objectdata for the “Dokodemo menu” may be multiplexed and recorded as the subpicture stream together with the video stream of the video. Upon thereproduction of the “Dokodemo menu”, typically, the title reproductionbased on the video stream is continued as it is. However, this can bestopped temporarily.

Firstly, with reference to FIG. 20 to FIG. 22, the structure and controlof the sub picture data, which is used for display of such a “Dokodemomenu”, will be explained. FIGS. 20 are conceptual diagrams showing onespecific example of: a data structure of SP control information forcontrolling the sub picture data (FIG. 20(a)); and a SP data structureincluding SP data as being still-picture data, which constitutes a mainbody of the sub-picture data (FIG. 20(b)). FIGS. 21 are conceptualdiagrams showing three types of sub-picture structures, constructed fromthe SP control information and the SP data structure shown in FIGS. 20.FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between a SPDstream and a plurality of SCP streams, with respect to a reproductiontime axis.

In the embodiment, in FIG. 14, the sub picture data decoded by the subpicture decoder 513 is temporarily stored in the memory 540 whichfunctions as a buffer. Then, at least one of the SP data (Still Picturedata) and the SP control information (Still Picture control data), whichare included in the temporarily stored sub picture data, are controlledby the control signal Sc5 from the system controller 520, to be therebyread out. Then, by operating the SP control information onto the SPdata, the display of a still picture is performed as part or all of thevideo output.

As shown in FIG. 20(a), SP control information 721 has a SCP header anda SF control parameter. The “SCP header” is provided with a SP dataidentifier for identifying the SP data which is regarded as a controlobject by the SP control information 721, information for indicating arecord position of the SP data, and the like. The “SF control parameter”is provided with various parameters for controlling the SP data by aunit of sub frame (SF) which is an image portion cut out as at least oneportion of the image defined by the SP data. More specifically, it hasparameters for indicating a display start time point and a display endtime point of the SF data by using PTS (Presentation Time Stamp) or thelike. Moreover, it has various parameters for indicating conditions,such as a display time length, a cut out range of the sub picture andits configuration in displaying, magnification and reduction in scale,rotation and so on.

As shown in FIG. 20(b), a SP data structure 722 has structureinformation and SP data (an entity of the still picture data). The“structure information” is provided with a SP data identifier,information about the length of the SP data, and the like. The “SP data”has image data or the like, in a bit map data format or in a JPEGformat, which is run length encoded for example.

Thus, at the reproduction of the sub picture data, various reproductioncontrols using the sub frame are performed on the basis of the SFcontrol parameter shown in FIG. 20(a), by the unit of sub frame in whichat least one portion of the SP data shown in FIG. 20(b) is cut out.

As shown in FIGS. 21, the SP control information 721 and the SP datastructure 722 are packetized into a plurality of TS packets 146 (referto FIG. 10) and multiplexed. The TS packet 146 for storing therein thehead portion of the SP control information 721 in the sub picturestructure is referred to as a “SCP”, and the TS packet 146 for storingtherein the head portion of the SP data structure 722 in the sub picturestructure is referred to as a “SPD”.

As shown in FIG. 21(a), both the SP control information 721 includingthe SCP and the SP data structure 722 may be regarded as one sub picturestructure and divided into the plurality of TS packets 146. As shown inFIG. 21(b), the SP control information 721 including the SCP may beregarded as one sub picture structure and divided into the plurality ofTS packets 146. As shown in FIG. 21(c), the SP data structure 722including the SPD may be regarded as one sub picture structure anddivided into the plurality of TS packets 146.

In the embodiment, for example, with respect to the SP data in the SPdata structure 722 recorded on a SPD stream, the SP control informationrecorded on a SCP stream different from this SPD stream is operated, tothereby perform the reproduction control of the still picture. In thiscase, there may be only one or a plurality of SCP streams which operateswith respect to one SPD stream. Recording the two types of streams ontomutually different elementary streams allows efficient reproductioncontrol. Moreover, operating a plurality of SP control information on aplurality of SCP streams, with respect to the SP data on one SPD stream,allows more efficient reproduction control.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, at a time point t11 during thereproduction of a video stream (Video 1) of “ES_PID=200”, the reading ofthe SP data (SPD1) on a SPD stream of “ES_PID=201” is started, and it isstored into the memory 540 of the information record reproductionapparatus 500 (refer to FIG. 14). Then, the stored SP data is storeduntil a set end time point, for example, or is stored until the readinga next sub picture is started.

In FIG. 22, on a SCP stream (SCP1) of “ES_PID=202”, SCP#1a, SCP#1b,SCP#1c, and SCP#1d are provided in timing of a time point t21, a timepoint t22, a time point t23, and a time point t24, respectively. On aSCP stream (SCP2) of “ES_PID=203”, SCP#2 a, SCP#2 b, and SCP#2 c areprovided in timing of a time point t31, a time point t32, and a timepoint t33, respectively. On a SCP stream (SCP3) of “ES_PID=204”, SCP#3a, SCP#3 b, SCP#3 c, and SCP#3 d are provided in timing of a time pointt41, a time point t42, a time point t43, and a time point t44,respectively.

However, in addition to such reproduction control of the still picture,it is possible that with respect to the SP data in the sub picture datastructure recorded on the sub picture stream, the SP control informationin the sub picture structure recorded on the same stream is operated, tothereby perform the reproduction control of the still picture. Namely,both the SP control information 721 and the SP data structure 722 may berecorded into only one sub picture stream, to thereby operate the SPcontrol information 721 to the SP data structure 722.

In any case, by sharing or using many times the SP data provided as thebit map data and JPEG data which have a large data amount, it ispossible to save a limited recording capacity on the disc, which allowsmore efficient reproduction and display processing. In addition, in anycase, it is possible to superimpose such a sub picture onto a movingpicture or video which is based on the video data recorded in anothervideo stream.

Next, with reference to FIG. 23 to FIG. 25, the sub frame (SF), used todisplay such a “Dokodemo menu”, will be explained. FIG. 23 is aconceptual diagram showing the structure of object data related to thesub frame. FIG. 24 is a plan view showing a display example on a“Dokodemo menu” screen. FIG. 25 is a conceptual diagram showing that thesub frame is cut out of the still-picture data, on the basis of thecontrol information, in order to reproduce and display the “Dokodemomenu” shown in FIG. 24.

As shown in FIG. 23, the object data for the “Dokodemo menu” includes:(i) comprehensive information related to the entire object data; (ii)one still picture data; and (iii) a sub frame information table providedwith a plurality of sub frame informations each being information forcutting out one portion of the still picture data as the sub frame andperforming various control processing with respect to the cut sub frame.Incidentally, if the object data for the “Dokodemo menu” is recorded asthe sub picture stream, for example, the above-described information (i)and (iii) are recorded as the SP control information, and theabove-described information (ii) is recorded as the SP data structure.

Among them, the “comprehensive information” has the total number (n) ofthe sub frames and the like.

The “sub frame information table” is constructed as an information tablewhich includes: various sub frame information for each of the sub frame#1, . . . , the sub frame #n; and other information. For each sub frame#i (i=1, . . . , n), it has coordinates information for specifying a cutout range of the still picture data of the sub frame #i (e.g.coordinates information about opposite two corners and four corners withrespect to a rectangle sub frame), information for indicating the totalnumber 1 of buttons for menu selection and setting, button information 1to #1, and the like. Here, the “button information” has coordinatesinformation for specifying an area which functions as the button formenu selection and setting in the sub frame, and a button command forindicating a command to be executed if the button is operated.

Moreover, the “SP data” is a main body of the still picture data, suchas bit map data and JPEG data.

One sub frame constructed in the above manner corresponds to the“Dokodemo menu” screen displayed at a time.

For example, as shown in FIG. 24, on the basis of one sub frame, the“Dokodemo menu” screen is displayed as a small window, on the displayscreen of the information record/reproduction apparatus 500. Here, the“Dokodemo menu” provided with the sub frame is superimposed anddisplayed around an upper right corner of the video screen provided withcontents, such as a movie. In addition, on this “Dokodemo menu”, threebuttons for changing “audio”, “subtitles”, and “angle” as a title menuare displayed in order from the top in FIG. 24. Upon the display of sucha “Dokodemo menu”, the content, such as a movie (e.g. angle-changeablecontents), which is being reproduced when a menu display command or thelike is issued by a user are continuously displayed, as it is, withoutstopping the operation. This is because the content, such as a movie,constituting the video screen is specified by the (master) Item 204 andis displayed by the video stream as a main pass, while the “Dokodemomenu” is displayed as a sub pass by the sub picture stream which isanother stream specified by the slave item, or for similar reasons. Aspecific data structure related to the (master) Item 204 and the slaveitem as described above will be described in detail later (refer to FIG.25, FIG. 35, and FIG. 36).

A plurality of the “Dokodemo menus” which use such a sub frame can beprepared from one SP data.

Namely, it is assumed that there is the object data for the “Dokodemomenu” related to one still picture data as shown in FIG. 25. In thiscase, with respect to the one still picture data, four sub frames aredefined in different areas. Namely, sub frames #1, #2, #3, and #4 aredefined in order from the top in FIG. 25. In each of these sub frames,three buttons are defined. Namely, buttons #1, #2, and #3 are defined ineach sub frame in order from the top in FIG. 25.

Here, for example, it is assumed that the sub frame #1 is used when the“Dokodemo menu” is firstly displayed according to the menu displaycommand by a user or the like. In this case, in the button command ofthe button #1 of the sub frame #1, a command for “displaying the subframe #2” is set. In the button command of the button #2 of the subframe #1, a command for “displaying the sub frame #3” is set. In thebutton command of the button #3 of the sub frame #1, a command for“displaying the sub frame #4” is set.

If each information is set as described above, if as shown in FIG. 24,the button #1 (i.e. an “audio” button) is selected by a user when the“Dokodemo menu” by the sub frame #1 is displayed on an actual screen,the display is changed to the “Dokodemo menu” by the sub frame #2.Moreover, if in this condition, the button #2 (i.e. an English button)is selected by the user, the change to an English sound can be performedin accordance with the button operation on the “Dokodemo menu”, bywriting in advance a command for indicating “the change of the audiostream number to an audio stream number corresponding to the Englishsound”, for example. Even during the button operation on the “Dokodemomenu” described above, the contents, such as a movie, constituting thevideo are continuously reproduced without interruption. Moreover, atthis time, a change may be applied to the contents which are beingreproduced, according to the button operation, such as an audio change,a subtitle change, and an angle change, on the “Dokodemo menu”.Alternatively, various changes according to such a button operation maybe applied collectively when the “Dokodemo menu” is finished.

Next, with reference to FIG. 26, a specific structure of the play listinformation table, used to display such a “Dokodemo menu”, will beexplained. FIG. 26 is a conceptual diagram showing one specific exampleof the play list information file, which can particularly display the“Dokodemo menu”.

In FIG. 26, the play list information table includes: play listcomprehensive information; a play list pointer table; and a play list #i(1, 2, . . . ) information table.

Among them, the “play list comprehensive information” has overallinformation about the entire play list information table, such as a playlist size and the total number of the play lists.

The “play list pointer table” has a play list #i (1, 2, . . . ) pointerfor indicating the storage address of play list #i (1, 2, . . . )information.

The “play list #i information table” has: (i) play list #i (1, 2, . . .) comprehensive information; (ii) a play list #i (1, 2, . . . ) Iteminformation table; and (iii) a play list #i (1, 2, . . . ) slave iteminformation table.

Namely, in the embodiment, particularly, the play list #i informationtable is divided into: the play list #i (1, 2, . . . ) Item table,provided with Item information which constitutes the play listinformation for defining a reproduction sequence about the video streamfor display of the video; and the play list #i (1, 2, . . . ) slave itemtable, provided with Item information (or slave item information, ifneeded, in the embodiment) which constitutes the play list informationfor defining a reproduction sequence for display of the “Dokodemo menu”or the like. In other words, in the embodiment, the play list fordisplaying the video as the main pass is provided with a plurality ofItems (or master Items). On the other hand, the play list for displayingthe “Dokodemo menu” as the sub pass is constructed from a plurality ofslave items.

The “play list #i comprehensive information” has the total number (whichis “3” in this example) of Items which constitute the play list #i, andinformation for specifying the “Dokodemo menu” which is default. In thisexample, the “Dokodemo menu” which is default is maintained as a slaveitem information number (which is #1 in this example). Incidentally,“the “Dokodemo menu” which is default” indicates default that iscommonly used in a plurality of (master) Items or a (master) Item inwhich the slave item related to the “Dokodemo menu” is not registered.

The “play list #i Item information table” is provided with Iteminformation #i (three Item information in this example). Each Iteminformation has information for indicating a relevant AU number in theAU table in the object information file 130, the presence or absence ofthe slave item information or its number, the type of the slave iteminformation if there is the slave item information (e.g. a type havingthe “Dokodemo menu”, and other types), a start time point of the objectdata corresponding to the relevant Item, a display time length, andrelative display coordinates with respect to the video screen.

The “play list #i slave item information table” is provided with slaveitem information #i (three slave item information in this example). Eachslave item information has information for indicating the type of theslave item information (e.g. a type having the “Dokodemo menu”, andother types), and the relevant AU number in the AU table in the objectinformation file 130.

As described above, if the object data is reproduced on the basis of theplay list information table which is divided into the Item information(i.e. the master Item information) and the slave item information, the“Dokodemo menu” can be displayed, if desired, on the video screen as thesub pass, in accordance with the menu display command or the like by auser, while the content, such as a movie, constituting the video screenis displayed as the main pass.

Moreover, in writing the sub frame information (refer to FIG. 23), it ispossible to arbitrarily set a range (coordinates) in which the sub frameis cut out on the still picture data, in accordance with the contentsauthor's will. Furthermore, in writing the play list information (referto FIG. 26), it is possible to arbitrarily set a range (coordinates) inwhich the sub frame is to be displayed with respect to the video, inaccordance with the contents author's will. These allow various types ofmenus (i.e. the “Dokodemo menus”) to be displayed in various places.

Next, with reference to FIG. 27 and FIG. 28, processes on theinformation record reproduction apparatus 500 which are performed indisplaying such a “Dokodemo menu” will be explained. FIG. 27 is aflowchart showing the detail of the processes for determining the objectof the Item to be reproduced (including the Item and the slave item),which are performed as a part of the process in the step S215 shown inFIG. 19. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the processes for reproducingthe object (including those individually specified by the Item and theslave item), which are performed as a part of the process in the stepS216 shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 27. Incidentally, in FIG. 27, the samesteps as those shown in FIG. 19 carry the same reference numerals andthe detailed explanations of them are omitted.

In FIG. 27, after the processes in the same steps S211 to S214 as thoseshown in FIG. 19 are performed, it is judged whether or not there is the“Dokodemo menu” which is default, by referring to the play listinformation table illustrated in FIG. 26 (step S221). If there is the“Dokodemo menu” which is default (the step S221: Yes), the object datafor the “Dokodemo menu”, illustrated in FIG. 23 to FIG. 25, is read asthe “Dokodemo menu” which is default (step S222). Then, the operationalflow goes to a step S223. On the other hand, in the step S221, if thereis not any “Dokodemo menu” which is default (the step S221: No), theoperational flow directly goes to the step S223.

Then, on the basis of the play list Item information illustrated in FIG.26, the relevant object of the Item to be reproduced is determined (thestep S223). Then, it is judged whether or not there is the “Dokodemomenu” in the Item (step S224). If there is the “Dokodemo menu” (the stepS224: Yes), the slave item corresponding to the existing “Dokodemo menu”is read (step S225). Then, the operational flow goes to a step S216. Inthe judgment in the step S224, if there is not any “Dokodemo menu” (thestep S224: No), the operational flow directly goes to the step S216.

Then, the reproduction of the relevant object is performed (the stepS216). More specifically, the contents, such as a movie, constitutingthe video are reproduced as the main pass in accordance with the Iteminformation (the master Item information), and if there is the “Dokodemomenu”this is reproduced as the sub pass. Incidentally, if the objectdata for the “Dokodemo menu” is multiplexed and recorded as the subpicture stream together with the video stream constituting the video,the object data for the “Dokodemo menu” may be read at the same time ofthe reproduction of the relevant object data (the step S216) in place ofthe step 222 and the step S225.

Then, the same judgment in the step S217 as that shown in FIG. 19 isperformed, and if there is a next Item (the step S217: Yes), theoperational flow returns to the step S223 and subsequent processes arerepeated in the embodiment.

Next, with reference to FIG. 28, the detail of processes related to thereproduction of the object in the embodiment (i.e. the processes in thestep S217 in FIG. 19 and FIG. 27) will be explained.

In FIG. 28, firstly, the PU (Presentation Unit) and ES (ElementaryStream) to be reproduced are determined by referring to the AU table 131and the ES map table 134 (refer to FIG. 3) (step S241). Then, thereproduction of the TS object is started in accordance with thedetermined PU and ES (step S242).

Then, it is judged whether or not it is within a “Dokodemo menu”displayable time length, by referring to the play list illustrated inFIG. 26 (step S243). If it is not within the “Dokodemo menu” displayabletime length (the step S243: No), then, it is judged whether or not theDokodemo menu” is currently being displayed in accordance with the menudisplay command by a user or the like (step S244). Here, if the“Dokodemo menu” is being displayed (the step S244: Yes), thecurrently-displayed “Dokodemo menu” is set not to display it (stepS245). Then, the operational flow goes to a step S246. On the otherhand, in the judgment in the step S244, if the “Dokodemo menu” is notbeing displayed (the step S244: No), the operational flow directly goesto the step S246.

On the other hand, in the judgment in the step S243, if it is within the“Dokodemo menu” displayable time length (the step S243: Yes), then, itis judged whether or not the “Dokodemo menu” is currently to bedisplayed in accordance with the menu display command by a user or thelike (step S247). Here, if the “Dokodemo menu” is to be displayed (thestep S247: Yes), it is judged whether or not there is the “Dokodemomenu” by referring to the play list (step S248). Here, if there is the“Dokodemo menu” (the step S248: Yes), this “Dokodemo menu” is displayed(step S249). Namely, the “Dokodemo menu” constructed form the subpicture which is continuously reproduced as the sub pass is displayedand outputted. Then, the operational flow goes to the step S246. On theother hand, in the judgment in the step S247, if the “Dokodemo menu” isnot to be displayed (the step S247: No), the operational flow directlygoes to the step S246.

On the other hand, in the judgment in the step S248, if there is not any“Dokodemo menu” (the step S248: No), then, it is judged whether or notthere is the “Dokodemo menu” which is default (step S250). If there isthe “Dokodemo menu” which is default (the step S250: Yes), this“Dokodemo menu” which is default is displayed (step S251). Then, theoperational flow goes to the step S246. On the other hand, in thejudgment in the step S250, if there is not any “Dokodemo menu” which isdefault (the step S250: No) the operational flow directly goes to thestep S246.

Then, in the step S246, it is judged whether or not the reproduction ofthe object to be reproduced is ended. If it is not ended (the step S246:No), the operational flow returns to the step S242, and the subsequentprocesses are repeated. On the other hand, if it is ended (the stepS246: Yes), a series of processes is ended.

As explained with reference to FIG. 28, in the embodiment, if in thereproduction of the object, there is “the Dokodemo menu” which isdefault or for each Item, this is continuously reproduced as the subpass, so that the display and output thereof can be immediatelyperformed in accordance with the menu display command by a user or thelike. Moreover, if it is unnecessary to display and output the objectdata for the “Dokodemo menu”, it is continuously only reproduced ormaintained as the sub pass, and does not particularly interrupt thedisplay of the video.

As explained in detail with reference to FIG. 20 to FIG. 28, accordingto the embodiment, it is possible to display the “Dokodemo menu”, suchas small window display or semitransparent superimpose display, whilethe title is continuously displayed and outputted, for example.Obviously, the menu selection on the displayed “Dokodemo menu” is alsoallowed. Such a “Dokodemo menu” can be displayed at an arbitraryposition on the title screen in accordance with the contents author'swill or the like. Moreover, it is possible to display it only whenneeded, in accordance with the menu display command by a user or thelike. Furthermore, it is possible to display it immediately with respectto the menu display command or the like.

(Access Flow On Reproduction)

Next, with reference to FIG. 29, the access flow on reproduction by theinformation record reproduction apparatus 500, employing the AUinformation 132 and the PU information 302, is explained as one of thefeatures of this embodiment, with the logical structure of the opticaldisc 100. FIG. 29 schematically illustrates an entire access flow onreproduction, in relation to the logical structure of the optical disc100.

In FIG. 29, the logical structure of the optical disc 100 is categorizedroughly into the following three hierarchies: a logic hierarchy 401; anobject hierarchy 403; and a logic-object association hierarchy 402mutually associating those two hierarchies.

Among them, the logic hierarchy 401 is a hierarchy for logicallyspecifying various logical information to reproduce the desired titleduring the reproduction, as well as the play list (P list) to bereproduced and its constitutional contents. In the logic hierarchy 401,disc information 110 d indicating the entire titles 200 and the like onthe optical disc 100 is written within the disc information file 110(see FIG. 3), and further, reproduction sequence information 120 d ofthe entire contents on the optical disc 100 is written within the playlist information file 120 (see FIG. 3). More specifically, theconstruction of one or more play list sets 126S is written, as thereproduction sequence information 120 d, respectively for one or moretitle elements 200-2 included in each title 200. Furthermore, each playlist set 126S includes one or more play lists 126, in each of which theconstruction of one or more items 204 (see FIG. 13) is written. Then, atthe time of the access during the reproduction, the logic hierarchy 401as described above specifies the title 200 to be reproduced, the playlist 126 corresponding to this, and further the item 204 correspondingto this.

Next, the logic-object association hierarchy 402 is a hierarchy forspecifying the attribute and the physical storage address of the TSobject data 140 d to be reproduced, so as to specify the combinationand/or the construction of the TS object data 140 d as the entity dataand perform an address conversion to the object hierarchy 403 from thelogic hierarchy 401, on the basis of the information specified in thelogic hierarchy 401 as described above. More specifically, in thelogic-object association hierarchy 402, the object information data 130d, which separates a group of the contents composing each item 204 intounits of the AU 132 and which finely separates each AU 132 into units ofthe PU 302, is written in the object information file 130 (see FIG. 3).

Here, the “PU (Presentation Unit) 302” is a unit associating and unitinga plurality of elementary streams by the reproduction switchable unit.If there are three audio streams in the PU 302, the user can freelyswitch these three audio (e.g. audio for each language), during thereproduction of this vision.

On the other hand, the “AU (Associate Unit) 132” is a unit uniting aplurality of elementary streams such as video streams in the TS objectused in one title, and made of one or more PUs 302. More specifically,it is a unit uniting the elementary stream packet IDs (ES_PID) for eachTS object, indirectly via the PU 302. This AU 132 corresponds to anassembly made of a plurality of programs having a specificinter-relationship in view of the contents, such as a plurality ofprograms switchable to each other in the multi-source broadcasting. ThePUs 302 belonged to the same AU 132 corresponds to one or moreelementary stream assemblies each constructing a plurality of programsswitchable to each other by the user operation during the reproduction.

Therefore, if the AU 132 to be reproduced is identified, and the PUsbelonged to the AU are identified, the elementary stream to bereproduced is identified. That is, a desired elementary stream can bereproduced from the multi-recorded optical disc 100, without using thePAT or the PMT shown in FIG. 12.

Incidentally, a further specific data structure of the AU information132I and the PU information 302I, each defining the AU 132 and the PU302, is discussed later in detail.

The elementary stream to be actually reproduced herein is identified ordesignated by the ES_PID that is a packet ID (see FIG. 12) of theelementary stream, on the basis of the PU information 302. At the sametime, the information indicating the start time point and the end timepoint of the reproduction is converted to the elementary stream addressinformation, and thereby the contents in a specific area (or a specifictime range) of a specific elementary stream is reproduced.

Thus, in the logic-object association hierarchy 402, an addressconversion is performed from a logical address relating to each item 204to a physical address relating to each PU 302.

Next, the object hierarchy 403 is a physical hierarchy to reproduce theactual TS object data 140 d. In the object hierarchy 403, the TS objectdata 140 d is written within the object data file 140 (see FIG. 3). Morespecifically, TS packets 146 constructing a plurality of elementarystreams (ES) are multiplexed at every time point. The multiplexedpackets are disposed on the time scale to form a plurality of elementarystreams (see FIG. 11). Then, a plurality of TS packets multiplexed ateach time point is associated with a PU 302 identified by thelogic-object association hierarchy 402, for each elementary stream.Incidentally, it is possible to associate a plurality of PUs 302 withone elementary stream (e.g. one elementary stream relating to the sameaudio data is shared, or one elementary stream relating to the samesub-picture data is shared, among a plurality of switchable programs).

Thus, in the object hierarchy 403, the object data is actuallyreproduced, using the physical address obtained from the conversion inthe logic-object association hierarchy 402.

As described above, the three hierarchies shown in FIG. 29 allow makingan access to the optical disc 100 during the reproduction.

Incidentally, in FIG. 29 and in the explanation, both the Item otherthan the slave item and the slave item are included in the “Item 204”and illustrated for convenience. Namely, the association between thelogical hierarchy 401 and the logic-object associating hierarchy 402 isas shown with the Item 204, even in the case of the Item other than theslave item, and in the case of the slave item.

(Structure Of Each Information File)

Now, an explanation is made on a specific example of a data structure ofvarious information files constructed on the optical disc 100 in thisembodiment, i.e. the data structure of (1) the play list informationfile 120 and the disc information file 110 discussed with reference toFIG. 3, and (2) the object information file 130, with reference to FIG.30 to FIG. 37.

(1) Disc Information File And Play List Information File

With reference to FIG. 30 to FIG. 36, an explanation is made on eachconstitutional element and a hierarchy structure therebetween orthereamong in specific examples of these files. FIG. 30 to FIG. 36 areconceptual diagrams, schematically showing the hierarchy structures ofthese files. Incidentally, in FIG. 30 to FIG. 36, the same file, data,information, and the like as those already explained with reference toFIG. 3 to FIG. 9 and the like carry the same reference numerals, and thedetailed explanations of them are omitted.

Firstly, as shown in FIG. 30, a “title information set” associated withthis specific example is an information set including the discinformation file 110 and the play list information file 120, shown inFIG. 3 and the like.

The title information set is provided with: one disc header 112 x; aplurality of title information 200 (title information #1, #n); aplurality of play list (P list) sets 126S (P list sets #1, . . . , #n);and other information.

(1-1) Disc Header:

Firstly, from among the title information set shown in FIG. 30, the discheader 112 x is explained with reference to FIG. 30 and FIG. 31.

In FIG. 30, the disc header 112 x is shown in a branched form on theupper right of the figure, and has a plurality of fields for variousinformation, such as a version number, the title total number, the titleinformation total number, and the play list (P list) set total number,in order from the top in FIG. 30, as information corresponding to thedisc general information 112 shown in FIG. 3. The disc header 112 x has:a title start address table, as a table for information corresponding tothe title pointer 114-1 shown in FIG. 3; and a play list (P list) setstart address table, as a table for information corresponding to theplay list set pointer 124 shown in FIG. 3. The disc header 112 x has afield for information which indicates a title set attribute forindicating the attribute of each title set. Moreover, the disc head 112x has a title table 112 xtt and a play list set table 112 xpt.

As described above, the disc header 112 x having the plurality of fieldsand tables is to collectively manage a plurality of titles of the entirerecording area on the disc.

Here, the “version number” is a version number in the standard, andaccording to ISO 646, it is regarded as a code “0070”, for example. The“title total number” is the total number of the titles of the entirerecording area on the disc, and the “title information total number” isthe total number of the title information of the entire recording areaon the disc. The “play list set total number” is the total number of theplay list sets of the entire recording area on the disc, and the “titlestart address table” indicates the start address of each title, as arelative byte number from the head of the title set. This byte number iscounted from zero, for example. The “play list set start address table”indicates the start address of each play list set, as a relative bytenumber from the head of the title set. This byte number is counted fromzero, for example. The “title set attribute” indicates the attribute ofthe title set, such as the data length of the title set, the type oflanguage used in the title set (Japanese, English, etc.), and the nameof the title set.

In FIG. 31, the title table 112 xtt is shown in a branched form on theupper right of the figure, and has a plurality of fields for recording aplurality of title menu start address information #1 . . . , #n, in sucha form that they make pairs for each number, in order from the top ofthe figure.

Here, the “title menu start address” indicates the start address of thetitle information including each title menu, as a relative byte numberfrom the head of the title set. This byte number is counted from zero,for example. The title menu start address “0” is assigned to the discmenu about the entire disc. The “title contents start address” indicatesthe start address of the title information including each contentstitle, as a relative byte number from the head of the title set. Here,the “contents title” is a title for indicating the contents of eachtitle. This byte number is counted from zero, for example. The titlecontents start address “0” is assigned to a first play title which isunconditionally reproduced at the initial stage of the titlereproduction, for example.

In FIG. 31, the play list set table 112 xpt is shown in a branched formon the lower right of the figure, and has a plurality of fields forrecording a plurality of play list (P list) set start addresses #1, . .. , #m.

Here, the “play list set start address” indicates the start address ofeach play list set, as a relative byte number from the head of the titleset. This byte number is counted from zero, for example.

(1-2) Title Information:

Next, from among the title information set shown in FIG. 30, the titleinformation 200 is explained with reference to FIG. 30 and FIG. 32.

In FIG. 30, the title information 200 is shown in a branched form on thecenter right of the figure, and has a field for recording information200-1x which indicates the total number of the title elementscorresponding to the title general information 200-1 shown in FIG. 4,and further, a plurality of fields for recording the plurality of titleelements 200-2 (title elements #1, . . . , #k) and the other information200-5, in order from the top in FIG. 30.

Here, the “title element total number” indicates the total number of thetitle elements included in the title information.

In FIG. 32, each title element 200-2 is shown in a branched form on theright of the figure, and has a plurality of fields for recording thepointer 200PT in which a “play list set number” is written, thecandidate total number, and P list identification information 200PN inwhich one or more available play list (P list) numbers (i.e. P lists #1,. . . , #k) is written, in order from the top in FIG. 32. Moreover, ithas a plurality of fields for recording the P list pre-command 200PR,the P list post command 200PS, the next information 200-6N and the likefor indicating the title element to be reproduced next. Incidentally,the other information in the title element 200-2 is information abouteach title element, such as the title type, for example, a sequentialtype and a branch type or the like.

Here, the “pointer 200PT in which the play list set number is written”is a pointer for indicating the identification (ID) number of the playlist set. The “candidate total number” indicates the total number of theplay list which can be a selection candidate of the title element in theplay list set specified by the pointer 200PT. The “P list identificationinformation 200PN” indicates the ID (identification) number of one ormore play lists which can be the selection candidate. By providing suchP list identification information 200PN, it is possible to include theplay list which can be the selection candidate for the reproduction ofdifferent titles, in one play list set, and it is possible to share theone play list set with different title elements. On the other hand, the“P list pre-command 200PR”, the “P list post command 200PS”, and the“next information 200-6N”, and the like are the same as described above.

(1-3) Play List Set:

Next, from among the title information set shown in FIG. 30, the playlist set 126S is explained with reference to FIG. 30 and FIG. 33 to FIG.36.

In FIG. 30, the play list set 126S is shown in a branched form on thelower right of the figure, and has fields for recording information126-1 which includes the play list (P list) total number and a pluralityof play list (PL) presentations (PL presentations #1, . . . , #i), asinformation corresponding to the play list set general information 126-1shown in FIG. 5, in order from the top in FIG. 30. Moreover, the playlist set 126S has a plurality of fields for recording the plurality ofplay lists (P lists) 126 (i.e. P lists #1, . . . , #i), the itemdefinition table 126-3, and the other information 126-4.

Here, the “play list total number” indicates the total number of theplay lists in the play list set. The PL presentations #1, . . . , #i areattribute information corresponding to the P lists #1, . . . ,respectively, and correspond to the attribute information shown in FIG.20.

As shown in FIG. 33, each PL presentation 126-1xi is shown in a branchedform on the upper right of the figure, and has a plurality of fields forrecording information which indicates a video codec, video resolution, avideo aspect ratio, a video frame rate, an audio channel assignment andso on, in order from the top in FIG. 33.

Here, the “video codec” is used in recording the video informationassociated with the play list set, and thus indicates the type of thevideo codec to be used in reproducing it. The “video resolution”indicates video resolution used in recording the video informationassociated with the play list corresponding to the main pass (i.e. thevideo stream for providing the video) from among the play list set. The“video aspect ratio” indicates a video aspect ratio used in recordingthe video information associated with the play list corresponding to themain pass from among the play list set. The “video frame rate” indicatesa video frame rate used in recording the video information associatedwith the play list corresponding to the main pass from among the playlist set. The “audio channel assignment” indicates the assignment of anaudio channel used in recording the audio information associated withthe play list corresponding to the main pass from among the play listset.

In FIG. 33, each play list 126 is shown in a branched form on the centerright of the figure, and has a plurality of fields for recordinginformation which indicates the data length of the play list 126, a playlist header, the plurality of play list elements 126-2 (i.e. P listelements #1, . . . , #i) and the like, in order from the top in FIG. 33.

Here, the “length” of the play list indicates the length of the playlist continuing to the next, with the byte number. This indicates thelength of the data which does not include the field itself. The “playlist header” indicates information about the total number of the playlist elements included in the play list, the reproduction time length ofthe play list, the name of the play list, and the like.

Moreover, in FIG. 34, each play list element 126-2 is shown in abranched form on the right of the figure, and has a plurality of fieldsfor recording the pointer 126PT which indicates the item number of amaster play item (master P item), the sub pass total number, a pluralityof sub pass information 126-2sub (i.e. sub pass information #1, . . . ,#k), the next information 126-6N, the pre-command 126PR about the playitem (P item), the post command 126PS about the play item (P item), andthe other information 126-6, and the like.

Here, the “pointer 126PT”, the “pre-command 126PR”, and the “postcommand 126PS” are the same as described above. Moreover, the “sub passtotal number” indicates the total number of the sub passes which existin the play list element. The “next information 126-6N” indicates theplay list element to be reproduced next.

Moreover, in FIG. 35, each sub pass information 126-2sub is shown in aform branched to the right toward the center, in the figure, and has aplurality of fields for recording a sub pass type, the slave play item(slave P item) total number, and a plurality of slave play item (slave Pitem) information 126-subPT (i.e. slave P item information #1, . . . ,#k), in order from the top in the figure.

Here, the “sub pass type” indicates what type of display is performed bythe sub pass, such as various menu display. The “slave P item totalnumber” indicates the total number of slave play items of the sub pass.

Each slave play item (slave P item) information 126-subPT is shown in aform branched toward the right end from the center in the figure, andhas a plurality of fields for recording a slave play item (slave P item)number and a start PTS of the master play item (master P item), in orderfrom the top in the figure.

Here, the “slave P item number” indicates the ID (identification) numberof the play item of the sub pass. The “start PTS (Presentation TimeStamp) of the master play item” indicates the reproduction time point ofthe slave item on the reproduction time scale of the master play item.

On the other hand, in FIG. 33, the item definition table 126-3 is shownin a branched form toward the lower right of the figure, and has aplurality of fields for recording the play item (P item) total number,and a plurality of play items (P items) 204 (i.e. P items #1, . . . ,#n), and the like, in order from the top in the figure.

Here, the “play item total number” indicates the total number of theitems 204 on the item definition table.

In FIG. 36, each item 204 is shown in a branched form to the upper rightside toward the center of the figure, and has a plurality of fields forrecording a play item (P item) type, a stream object play item (P item)204-stream, and the like, in order from the top in the figure.

Here, the “play item (P item) type” indicates the type of the play item.For example, in the case of the item for the stream object for themoving picture or video, it is set to a code “00h”, and in the case ofthe item for the stream object for the still picture, it is set to acode “10h”. In the case of the item for the object for various menus, itis set to a code “20h”.

Moreover, the stream object play item (P item) 204-stream is shown in aform branched to the right end from the center in the figure, and hasinformation for indicating an ES (Elementary Stream) index number, an INtime (IN point), an OUT time (OUT point), and the like, which arerelated to each play item, in order from the top in the figure.

Here, the “ES index number” indicates the ID (identification) number andthe type of the elementary stream to which the IN time and the OUT timeare applied. Moreover, the “IN time (IN point)” and the “OUT time (OUTpoint)” are as descried above, and the reproduction time point and theend time point of the item are written on a time basis of 90 kHz, forexample.

Incidentally, in FIG. 36, the item definition table 126-3 may include anitem 204-still for the still picture object, in place of such an item204 for the stream object, i.e. the item 204 for the moving picture orvideo. In this case, the item 204-still has information for indicatingthe type of the play item, a still picture object play item (P item),and the like.

Incidentally, the data amount of each of the title information setexplained above may be a fixed byte or a variable byte. Moreover, eachfield may have a structure in which a required number of each table canbe added.

Particularly, in the embodiment, the slave play (P) item information126-subPT shown in FIG. 35 specifies the slave item for displaying the“Dokodemo menu”, which is explained with reference to FIG. 20 to FIG.28. This slave item, as shown in FIG. 36, corresponds to the Item 204indicated by the “master P item number” in the play list element 126-2.As a result, the reproduction of the title based on the video stream isexecuted as the main pass, in accordance with the stream object playitem 204-stream (refer to the right end of FIG. 36) which specifies theItem 204. In parallel with this execution, the reproduction of the“Dokodemo menu” is performed as the sub pass, in accordance with theslave item information 126-subPTm (refer to the right end of FIG. 35)which specifies the slave item.

(2) Object Information File:

Next, with reference to FIG. 37, the object information file 130 whenthe object data for the “Dokodemo menu” is multiplexed and recorded asthe sub picture stream together with the video stream constituting thevideo or the like, will be explained in detail by using one specificexample. FIG. 37 schematically shows one specific example of the datastructures of the AU (Associate Unit) table 131 (refer to FIG. 3)constructed in the object information file 130 and the ES (ElementaryStream) map table 134 (refer to FIG. 3) related to the AU table 134.

In this specific example, as shown in FIG. 37, the object informationtable is stored in the object information file 130. The objectinformation table is provided with the AU table 131 shown in the upperpart of FIG. 37 and the ES map table 134 shown in the lower part.

In the upper part of FIG. 37, the AU table 131 may have a structure thatallows the required number of tables for each Field to be added. Forexample, if there are four AUs, it may have such a structure that thenumber of the Fields increases to four.

In the AU table 131, there are stored “AU table general information” inwhich the number of AUs and the pointer to each AU, and the like arewritten, and “the other information.”

The AU table 131 describes therein the Index number (Index number= . . .) of the corresponding ES map table 134, as the AU information 132Iwhich indicates an ES table Index #m in each PU #m corresponding to eachAU #n. Here, the “AU” is a unit corresponding to a “show” in TVbroadcast, for example, as mentioned above (especially, in the case of“multi-vision” broadcasting, it is a unit of a group of a plurality of“visions” which is changeable or selectable), and it includes one ormore PUs, each of which is a reproduction unit. Moreover, the “PU” is agroup of mutually changeable elementary streams which are included ineach AU, as described above, and the ES table Index #m corresponding toeach PU is specified by the PU information 302I. For example, ifmulti-view contents are provided with the AU, the AU stores therein aplurality of PUs, and each PU stores therein the pointers to a pluralityof elementary stream packet IDs which indicates the packets constitutingthe contents of each view. This indicates the Index number in the ES maptable 134, as described later.

In the lower part of FIG. 37, in the ES map table 134, there are storedES map table general information, a plurality of Indexes #m (m=1, 2, . .. ), and the “other information”, for each Field.

The “ES map table general information” describes therein the size of theES map table, the total number of Indexes, and the like.

The “Index #m” includes the elementary stream packet ID (ES_PID) of theentire elementary stream to be used for the reproduction, thecorresponding Index number, and the address information of theelementary stream.

In the embodiment, for example, if the elementary stream is the videostream of the MPEG 2 as described above, only the TS packet number ofthe TS packet at the head of the I picture, and the correspondingdisplay time length are written, as the address information, i.e. the ESaddress information 134 d, on the ES map table 134, by which the dataamount is tried to be reduced. On the other hand, with respect to the ESaddress information 134 d of the sub picture stream, the data amount isfurther tried to be reduced by writing index number information 134 e ofthe elementary stream of the SP data to which the SP control informationis operated.

Because of the construction as described above, it is possible to obtainthe elementary stream packet ID (ES_PID) of the actual elementarystream, from the Index number of the ES map 134 specified from the AUtable 131. Moreover, since the address information of the elementarystream corresponding to the elementary stream packet ID can be obtainedat the same time, it is possible to reproduce the object data on thebasis of these information.

According to the data structure of the optical disc 100 explained above,even in adding a new title to the optical disc 100, necessaryinformation can be easily added, which is useful. On the other hand,even if some information becomes unnecessary as a result of editing orthe like, for example, what is to be done is simply not to refer to theinformation, and it is not necessary to actually delete the informationfrom the table, which is useful, as well.

Incidentally, in FIG. 37, even the ES_PID that is not referred to fromthe AU table 131 in the upper part is described in each Index of the ESmap table 134 in the lower part; however, it is not necessary todescribe the ES_PID that is not referred to, in this manner. However, ifthe more versatile ES map table 134 is prepared in advance by describingthe ES_PID that is not referred to in this manner, it is not necessaryto reconstruct the ES map table, in reediting the content, such astrying the authoring operation again, which is advantageous.

Now, an explanation is given, regarding the reproduction order ofvarious files or the like, in the reproduction of the optical disc 100having such a data structure as the one specific example, explained withreference to FIG. 30 to FIG. 37.

Firstly, the disc header 112 x is reproduced out of the titleinformation set shown in FIG. 30. As a part of that, the title table 112xtt shown in FIG. 31 is reproduced, and from it, the title menu startaddress or title contents start address is obtained.

Next, in accordance with the obtained address information, thereproduction of the title information 200 shown in FIG. 30 is started.More specifically, the reproduction of the title element 200-2 shown inFIG. 32 is performed, to thereby obtain the play list set number.Moreover, the pointer 200PT to the play lists #1 to #k is obtained.Incidentally, by adopting such a construction that the play list 126 isspecified by the pointer 200PT, it is possible to share, among theplurality of titles, the plurality of play lists which is in the playlist set specified by the reproduction of the title element 200-2 inadvance.

Next, the play list set table 112 xpt shown in FIG. 31 is reproduced, tothereby obtain the play list set start address. On the basis of this,the reproduction of the play list set 126S shown in FIG. 33 is started,and the PL presentation 126-1xi is firstly reproduced.

Then, the PL presentation 126-1xi, one example of the required functioninformation, is compared with the reproduction function (i.e. videoperformance, audio performance, and the like) of the informationreproduction system during the reproduction of the optical disc 100, andthus, one optimum play list 126 is selected from the play list set 126Sshown in FIG. 33.

Next, the selected play list 126 is reproduced. More specifically, theplay list element 126-2 shown in FIG. 34 is reproduced. At this time,firstly, the pre command 126PR is executed, then, the master P itemnumber shown in FIG. 35 is obtained. Then, the Item definition tableshown in FIG. 36 is referred to, to thereby reproduce the relevant Item204. The reproduction of this Item 204 is performed by reproducing therelevant TS object in accordance with the ES index number, the IN time,and the OUT time, which are obtained by reproducing the stream object Pitem 204-stream (see FIG. 37). Then, the post command 126PS shown inFIG. 34 is executed. Moreover, the play list element to be reproducednext is specified in accordance with the next information 126-6N, andits reproduction is repeated in the same manner.

Next, with reference to FIG. 38, one specific example of the objectinformation file 130 when the object data for the “Dokodemo menu” isrecorded as another object different from the video stream constitutingthe video or the like, will be explained. FIG. 38 schematically showsone specific example of the data structures of the AU (Associate Unite)table 131 (refer to FIG. 3) constructed in the object information file130 and the ES map table 134 related to the AU table. In the embodiment,the video stream constituting the video or the like is recorded as anobject #1 (TS object), and the object data for the “Dokodemo menu” isrecorded as an object #2.

The Item information and the slave item information further haveinformation for indicating the relevant object number in the objectinformation file 130. The relevant object is specified from the relevantobject number, the relevant AU number, and the like, and is reproducedby the above-described reproduction sequence (refer to FIG. 27 and FIG.28). The object data for the “Dokodemo menu” which is not multiplexednor recorded is maintained (or cached) in the memory 550 in reading.

Particularly in the embodiment, in parallel with the reproduction of thestream object P item 204-stream, shown in FIG. 36, for the main pass,the corresponding slave play (P) item information 126-subPT, shown inFIG. 35, is also reproduced for the sub pass. Then, in accordance withthe IN time and the OUT time on the time axis, which are obtained byreproducing the master play (P) item information 126-2, or by using themas the displayable time length, the relevant TS object data for the“Dokodemo menu” is reproduced as the sub pass. By these, the “Dokodemomenu”, explained with reference to FIG. 20 to FIG. 28, is reproduced asthe sub pass.

As explained in detail with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 38, according tothe embodiment, during the reproduction, display and output of the titleby the Item, for example, the menu is reproduced by the correspondingslave item, and the reproduced menu is displayed and outputtedselectively, by which it is possible to efficiently display the menuscreen, such as the small window and the semitransparent superimposedisplay, with the title reproduction being continued.

Incidentally, in the aforementioned embodiment, the explanation is madeon the optical disc 100 as an example of the information record mediumand the recorder or player of the optical disc 100 as an example of theinformation record reproduction apparatus. Nevertheless, the presentinvention is not limited to the optical disc and the player or recorderthereof, but is applicable to various record media and the recorders orplayers thereof, supporting other high density recording or hightransfer rate.

For example, as shown in FIG. 39, the play (P) list may be provided withdefault slave P item information 126MI comprising the slave P itemnumber and the start PTS of the master P item, and the default slave Pitem information 126MI may be shared when there is no sub passinformation in each P list element.

Moreover, the TS packet for the “Dokodemo menu” may be multiplexed andrecorded in one TS object, together with the TS packet of the contents,or may be recorded in another TS object different from the object forthe contents.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments,and various changes may be made, if desired, without departing from theessence or spirit of the invention which can be read from the claims andthe entire specification. An information record medium, an apparatus forand a method of recording the information, an apparatus for and a methodof reproducing the information, an apparatus for and a method ofrecording and reproducing the information, a computer program forcontrolling the record or the reproduction, and a data structureincluding a control signal, all of which involves such changes, are alsointended to be within the technical scope of the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

An information record medium, a apparatus for and a method of recordingthe information, an apparatus for and a method of reproducing theinformation, an apparatus for and a method of recording and reproducingthe information, a computer program for controlling the record or thereproduction, and a data structure including a control signal, all ofwhich are according to the present invention, can be applied to ahigh-density optical disc for consumer or industrial use, such as a DVD,on which various information, such as the video information, the audioinformation and the sub-picture information, can be recorded at highdensity and further can be applied to a DVD player, a DVD recorder, andthe like. Moreover, they can be applied to an information record medium,an information record reproduction apparatus, or the like, which aremounted on or can be connected to various computer equipment forconsumer or industrial use, for example.

1. An information record medium on which there are recorded: a series ofcontent information; menu information as for said content information,which is to be displayed with said content information duringreproduction of said content information; and play list information fordefining reproduction sequence of said content information by a unit ofitem, which constitutes said content information and which is accessibleupon reproducing, said play list information including: item informationfor specifying each item which constitutes said content information; andslave item information for specifying said menu information as a slaveitem, wherein said medium further comprises specification information tospecify a display position of said menu information, in displaying saidmenu information on a display of said content information.
 2. Theinformation record medium according to claim 1, wherein said menuinformation is displayed as a small widow on the display of said contentinformation, said specification information specifies a display positionof the small window. 3-7. (canceled)
 8. An information record apparatus,comprising: a first record device for recording a series of contentinformation and menu information as for said content information, whichis to be displayed with said content information during reproduction ofsaid content information; and a second record device for recording playlist information for defining reproduction sequence of said contentinformation by a unit of item, which constitutes said contentinformation and which is accessible upon reproducing, said second recorddevice recording said play list information such that said play listinformation includes: item information for specifying each item whichconstitutes said content information; and slave item information forspecifying said menu information as a slave item, said second recorddevice further recording a specification information to specify adisplay position of said menu information, in displaying said menuinformation on a display of said content information.
 9. An informationrecord method, comprising: a first record process of recording a seriesof content information and menu information as for said contentinformation, which is to be displayed with said content informationduring reproduction of said content information; and a second recordprocess of recording play list information for defining reproductionsequence of said content information by a unit of item, whichconstitutes said content information and which is accessible uponreproducing, said second record process recording said play listinformation such that said play list information includes: iteminformation for specifying each item which constitutes said contentinformation; and slave item information for specifying said menuinformation as a slave item, said second record process furtherrecording a specification information to specify a display position ofsaid menu information, in displaying said menu information on a displayof said contact information.
 10. An information reproduction apparatusfor reproducing said information record medium according to claim 1,said :information reproduction apparatus comprising: a reproductiondevice capable of reproducing said content information, said menuinformation and said play list information; a displaying and outputtingdevice capable of displaying and outputting said content information andsaid menu information; and a control device for controlling saidreproduction device to reproduce said content information and said menuinformation, in accordance with the item information and the slave iteminformation included in said play list information reproduced by saidreproducing device.
 11. The information reproduction apparatus accordingto claim 10, wherein said control device controls said displaying andoutputting device so as to display and output said reproduced menuinformation on said reproduced content information, in accordance withthe display position, which is specified by the specificationinformation reproduced by said reproduced device. 12-14. (canceled) 15.An information reproduction method of reproducing said informationrecord medium according to claim 1 on an information reproductionapparatus comprising: (i) a reproduction device capable of reproducingsaid content information, said menu information and said play listinformation; and (ii) a displaying and outputting device capable ofdisplaying and outputting said content :information and said menuinformation, said information reproduction method comprising: a firstcontrol process of controlling said reproducing device to reproduce saidplay list information; and a second control process of controlling saidreproducing device to reproduce said content information and said menuinformation, in accordance with the item information and the slave iteminformation included in said play list information reproduced by saidreproducing device.
 16. An information record reproduction apparatus,comprising: a first record device for recording a series of contentinformation and menu information as for said content information, whichis to be displayed with said content information during reproduction ofsaid content information; a second record device for recording play listinformation for defining reproduction sequence of said contentinformation by a unit of item, which constitutes said contentinformation and which is accessible upon reproducing, said second recorddevice recording said play list information such that said play listinformation includes: item information for specifying each item whichconstitutes said content information; and slave item information forspecifying said menu information, as a slave item, said second recorddevice further recording a specification information to specify adisplay position of said menu information, in displaying said menuinformation on a display of said content information; a reproductiondevice capable of reproducing said content information, said menuinformation, and said play list information; a displaying and outputtingdevice capable of displaying and outputting said content information andsaid menu information; and a control device for controlling saidreproduction device to reproduce said content information and said menuinformation, in accordance with the item information and the slave iteminformation included in said play list information reproduced by saidreproducing device.
 17. An information record reproduction method on aninformation reproduction apparatus comprising: (i) a reproduction devicecapable of reproducing content information, menu information and playlist information; and (ii) a displaying and outputting device capable ofdisplaying and outputting said content information and said menuinformation, said information record reproduction method comprising: afirst record process of recording a series of content information andmenu information as for said content information, which is to bedisplayed with said content information during reproduction of saidcontent information; a second record process of recording play listinformation for defining reproduction sequence of said contentinformation by a unit of item, which constitutes said contentinformation and which is accessible upon reproducing, said second recordprocess :recording said play list information such that said play listinformation includes: item information for specifying each item whichconstitutes said content information; and slave item information forspecifying said menu information as a slave, said second record processfurther recording a specification information to specify a displayposition of said menu information, in displaying said menu informationon a display of said content information; and a first control process ofcontrolling said reproduction device to reproduce said contentinformation and said menu information, in accordance with the iteminformation and the slave item information included in said play listinformation reproduced by said reproducing device.
 18. A computerprogram for a record control to control a computer disposed at theinformation record apparatus according to claim 8, said program makingthe computer function as at least a part of the first record device andthe second record device.
 19. A computer program for a reproductioncontrol to control a computer disposed at the information reproductionapparatus according to claim 10, said program making the computerfunction as at least a part of the reproduction device, the displayingand outputting device and the control device.
 20. A computer program fora record reproduction control to control a computer disposed at theinformation record reproduction apparatus according to claim 16, saidprogram making the computer function as at least a part of the firstrecord device, the second record device, the reproduction device, thedisplaying and outputting device, and the control device.
 21. A datastructure including a control signal, comprising a series of contentinformation; menu information as for said content information, which isto be displayed with said content information during reproduction ofsaid content information; and play list information for definingreproduction sequence of said content information by a unit of item,which constitutes said content information and which is accessible uponreproducing, said play list information including: item information forspecifying each item which constitutes said content information; andslave item information for specifying said menu information as a slaveitem, wherein said data structure further comprises specificationinformation to specify a display position of said menu information, indisplaying said menu information on a display of said contentinformation.